Common Dance Terms in Folk Dance

Summary

Key Points

• The terms “draw” and “cut” refer to shifting weight from one foot to the other while the displaced foot is lifted and moved. 2:57
• The instructor describes basic directional movements such as clockwise and counter‑clockwise rotations, using the shoulders as reference points. 3:41
• Crossed‑arms positions are explained for partners standing side‑by‑side, indicating how left and right hands are joined. 4:08
• Hand placements such as “hands on waist” and the greeting gesture “hi” are demonstrated as stylized invitations. 6:07
• The movement called “hop” involves springing from one foot while the other foot may be raised in any direction, and “inside” and “outside” refer to the foot or hand nearest or farthest from a partner. 7:56
• Turns such as the “haleo parker” and “star” involve circling with elbows or hands together, either clockwise or counter‑clockwise, while walking or stepping. 8:31
• The instructor also introduces regional terms such as “kuma,” “lip,” and “salok,” each describing specific wrist, foot, or arm motions used in various local dance styles. 9:13
• The video defines “saludo” as a bow or salute performed with feet together, a common element in many Philippine dances of Spanish origin. 13:18
• Other steps like “stomp,” “tap,” “step,” and “pivot” are described, highlighting weight transfer, foot placement, and the use of the supporting foot. 15:30