What Is Kandingan Dance?

The Kandingan dance is a traditional dance form that is performed at Tausog weddings in Jolo. This dance style is characterized by its figures and steps, which are based on classical and traditional Indian dance forms. The dancers perform with slightly bent knees turned outward, fingers held stiffly together with the thumb outward and apart.

The Kandingan dance is believed to have originated from the Indian subcontinent, and it was brought to the Philippines by Indian traders and migrants. The dance form is unique to the Tausog people, who are an indigenous group that lives in the southern Philippines. The Kandingan dance is a celebration of the Tausog culture, and it is an important part of their wedding ceremonies.

The Kandingan dance is typically performed by a group of dancers, who wear traditional Tausog costumes. The dance is a combination of both men and women, who perform in synchrony with the music. The music used in the Kandingan dance is a blend of traditional Tausog music and Indian classical music. The music is usually played on traditional instruments such as the kulintang and the gong.

One of the most striking features of the Kandingan dance is the dancers’ use of hand and finger movements. The dancers hold their fingers stiffly together with the thumb outward and apart, which creates a unique visual effect. Additionally, the dancers’ use of slightly bent knees turned outward is also an important aspect of the dance form. This technique adds a dynamic quality to the dance, and it is one of the defining characteristics of the Kandingan dance.

In summary, the Kandingan dance is a traditional dance form that is performed at Tausog weddings in Jolo. The dance is characterized by its figures and steps, which are based on classical and traditional Indian dance forms. The dancers perform with slightly bent knees turned outward, fingers held stiffly together with the thumb outward and apart. The dance is an important part of the Tausog culture, and it is a celebration of their customs and traditions.