traditionalist

The Tradistionalist Suite is known for it’s Epic stories that are told within its dances. As an Epic, many stories are told, from creation stories, to rituals that exemplify animals.

BLIT BLAAN A courtship dance of the Bilaan of Davao del Sur imitating birds during mating season. The females scurry to safety, burying their heads under their wings (the malong), but the aggressive males follow them wherever they go.

BINAYLAN BANOG This is a ritual dance, imitating the movements of a hen, her banog (baby chicks), and a hawk. The hawk is sacred and believes that it has the power over the well being of the tribe. The hawk tries to capture one of the baby chicks and is caught by the hu. Passing tribesmen intervene intervene and the hunter becomes the hunted as the hawk is slain.