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Republic of the Philippines Dance Academy

This dance school was founded in 2005. The group will perform three traditional Filipino dances: "Tinikling", the national folkdance, is performed with a pair of dancers hopping between two bamboo poles that are held just above the ground and struck together in time to music. Originated from Leyte Province, this dance is in fact a mimic movement of "tikling" birds hopping over trees, grass stems and bamboo traps set by farmers. "Pandango sa Ilaw" (candle dance) is characterized by lively steps and clapping while following a varying ¾ beat. The dance requires excellent balancing skills to maintain the stability of three "tangoy" (oil lamps) placed on the head and back of each hand of the dancers. "Carinosa" is a dance of flirtation, performed with fans and handkerchiefs to assist the dancers' hide-and-seek movements. Performers: Mimi Firmalan (instructor), Angel Firmalan, Adrian Firmalan, Ansel Firmalan, Nap Tenorio, Charlaine Tenorio, Krital Tenorio, Meleena Tenorio, Angel Dawinan.