Philippine folk dance: Banga Salidsid & Banawol

Interpretation of a folk dance that originates from Philippines. Done by Culture Philippines of Ontario, Spain. Recorded in Melgaço, Portugal, on 07/08/2025. https://culturephilippinesofontario.com/ Bailes folclóricos filipinos interpretados pola Culture Philippines of Ontario, de Canadá. Filmado en Monção o 03/08/2025 no 40º Festival FolkMonção O Mundo a Dançar. Explanation of the dances: The Banga Dance is inspired by the Kalinga women's daily routine of fetching water from the lowlands to the highlands. Stacked as many as seven or eight at a time, the pots are balanced on the heads of maidens as they trudge to the beat of the "gangsa" or wind chimes displaying their stamina and strength as they go about this daily task. Followed by a dance called “Salidsid” “Salidsid” is a courtship dance from the Kalinga, in which the male dancer waves the "allap" (cloth) as a symbol of his affection toward the female dancer. His movements simulate that of a rooster trying to attract a young hen. The female dancer, with her hands on her gently swaying hips, first shows disinterest and evades him by running away using smaller steps, the salidsid. However, her small steps are interspersed with flirtatious movements such as the tilting of her torso to reveal the mutual affection the pair have for each other. Ending their presentation with “Banawol.” Banawol is a festival dance originating from the Ifugao ethnic group, performed to honour guests with feather crowns. Banawol refers to a hawk in local Ifugao terminology, reflecting strength, grace, and nobility in their traditions.