The Performing Arts

The Philippines is notable for its native dances, songs, and instrumental music which are lighthearted and invite participation. The most popular folk dance, the tinikling also called the bamboo dance suggests the quick movements of ricebirds and seems to be a purely native expression. Today, Philippine music is a blend of native, Malay, Muslim, Spanish, and Western influences. Many of the best jazz and rock musicians in the entire Southeast Asia region are Filipinos.

The Cultural Center of the Philippines in Manila offers symphonies, operas, ballets, plays, and other productions. Most of these works originate in other countries, while Filipino composers, musicians, and playwrights tend to pattern their efforts on contemporary Western models. Attempts to combine Philippine themes with Western techniques have been made by such troupes as the Bayanihan Dance Company, whose repertoire consists of theatrical versions of folk dancing.

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