Session Descriptions

Pandanggo Sa Ilaw: In this session we will learn parts of Pandanggo Sa Ilaw, or the dance of lights. This dance has roots from the Spanish Fandanggo brought over during the Spanish occupancy of the Philippines and found itself changed by the indigenous peoples of the islands. While there are many schools of thoughts as to its inspiration, my personal favorite is the link to how the candles used in these dances resembled fireflies, or alitaptap, which were said to be the pets of our ancestors.

While this dance is usually done with three candles (one on the head and in each hand) we will learn using just two. Bring your flameless candles-and if you don't have any, you can try with a flashlight or phone in one of your hands. We'll learn this with light and then try it in the dark for the last bit of the session. See you there! - Joshua Yago Mora