maria clara

The suite, Maria Clara, developed shortly after the Spanish regime with Spanish and European dances adopted by the Phillipines as their own, adding native flair and style. The name "Maria Clara" came from the main characrer in Jose Rizal's novel describing Filipino life under spanish rule. She was seen as a Filipina woman of virtue, nobilitiy, and grace. Female dancers often wear Maria Clara dresses while male dancers wear barongs.

LA JOTA MONCADENA La Jota Moncadena was an adaptation from an old Spanish dance. It encompasses both Spanish and Ilocano dance steps while Spanish music and castanets play in the background. Adding on, La Jota is known for its interpretation of the Aragonese Jota dance. La Jota is called differently by the people of Moncadena and Tarlac with the name being La Jota Florana. This dance is typically performed during celebration, but a dignified version of this dance is performed during funerals.

PANTOMINA

Pantomina is a dance originating from the region of Bicol. The word Pantomina is Spanish for pantomime, which resembles movements of copying the courting and lovemaking gestures of a dove, hence it's sometimes known as the "dance of the doves".Pantomina is typically performed during weddings. During the Spanish Colonization, the dance was known as Salampati.