B'laan people

BLIT-B'LAAN : Philippine Dance from the B'laan People

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• published: 03 May 2008
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Courtship dance of the B'laan of Davao del Sur imitating forest birds during the mating season. All movements of the Blit-B'laan are done with the knees slightly bent. Figure 1. Male and female dancers move with a light springing of both feet in any direction. Maledancers eneter with a springing movement to chase the female dancers. Both male and female dancers stay in one place. The movements of the female dancers are centered on grooming and making themselves more attractive. The male dancers begin to move. Figure 2. Female dancers move to choose from among the the two male dancers that shows her preference for the white male dancer aversion towards the red male dancer. Al female dancers hop on their heels with one foot crossed slightly in front while males do the same thing but with their feet apart. Figure 3. Female dancers then move to rescue the white male dancer from two male dancers. Male dancers attack and outwit each other through flying kicks, jumps and somersaults. Throughout the dance, the female dancer glides as she goes around. The red male dancer fears a victory while the female dancer moves in resistance. Female dancer stomps left and right foot alternately four times in place. Step right foot and brushes in front twice. Arms go overhead, then overlap near the cheek. Right arm straightens upward with the palms out while left arm bends in front at waist level also with the palms. The dance ends with the victory of the white male dancer as he pins down his rival red male dancer. If you are interested with other dances from the B'laan people, the list below could be helpful in case you're in need of the dance names: * Amti * Admulak * Aslubong * Binanogbanog * Binatobato * Falimac B'laan (B'laan Sword) * Karal Kafi * Maral Fieu Awas * Maral Tagunggo * Muhag Sugon * Udol You can buy a VCD od a DVD copy of these dance in many Philippine record stores. It is released under IVORY RECORDS, Philippines.