Tinikling Bamboo Pole Dance
A traditional dance from the Philippines in which two people tap and close two poles on the ground to music while others jump in and out without stepping on them. Students work on rhythm, jumping coordination, and learning a dance from another culture.
How to play
- Spend 2 minutes on its origin: dancers imitate the tikling bird dodging bamboo traps in the rice fields. Make groups of 5 with 2 poles each: 2 tappers, 1 or 2 dancers, and the rest waiting their turn.
- Tapper rhythm (4 minutes): kneeling, tappers hold the pole ends and go "tap, tap, close" (two taps apart on the floor and one bringing them together) in 3/4 time.
- Basic step without poles (4 minutes): dancers practice over two lines on the floor: jump out, in, in, to the rhythm of "out-in-in."
- Basic step with poles (7 minutes): dancers jump in while the poles are apart; every 30 seconds, rotate positions so everyone taps and dances.
- Variations (5 minutes): side jump with feet together, two dancers crossing, or a front entrance; each group picks two and links them into a sequence.
- Final 3-minute showcase: groups perform their 30-second sequence to the music.
Rules
- Tappers keep their hands at the ends of the poles, away from the middle.
- Poles never come up more than a few inches off the floor and close gently.
- If a foot gets caught, the tappers open the poles and stop right away.
- Dance in sneakers that are tied tight.
Variations
Easier
A slow rhythm without music, with the poles closing only once every two measures.
Standard
A three-count rhythm with music, the basic step, and two variations.
Harder
Two pairs of poles in a cross with four dancers entering from all four sides.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: serve as a tapper, an essential role in the dance.
- Hearing impairment: tappers show the rhythm with a visible head nod, and the taps can be felt through the floor.
- Lower fitness: 15-second dance turns and more time tapping.
Learning goals
- Coordinate jumps in and out of the poles to a three-count beat.
- Keep a steady rhythm as a tapper for the group.
- Learn about and appreciate a traditional dance from another culture.
Equipment for a class of 25
- poles: 10
- music
Teacher tip
Practice first without poles, over taped lines, to prevent scares. Many students who are hesitant to dance enjoy tapping and then gain the confidence to jump in.
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