Physical Activities Towards Health and Fitness 3 (PATHFit 3)
Week #3 – MODULE 2
DANCES OF THE WORLD
Objectives:
1. Discuss the origin of Binasuan
2. Value the culture origin of Binasuan
3. Execute some steps used in Binasuan
LESSON 3: PHILIPPINES FOLK DANCE: BINASUAN
Have you ever balanced something on your head without dropping it in
a short time? It is not easy to do. Try to imagine a glass half-filled with wine
and dancing at the same time.
Binasuan is a folk dance that originated in Bayambang, Pangasinan,.
The word “binasuan” means “with the use of drinking glasses.” The dancers
balance glasses on their heads and in their hands as they move. The glasses
are filled with rice wine, which makes any misstep a messy mistake. People
dance binasuan at weddings and festivals. A group of dancers generally
performs binasuan, moving in unison, but occasionally breaking into smaller
groups and performing different choreography. For example, they can begin
in a circle, then form two columns, which then bend into semicircles, and
one follows the other to reform the circle. The music is in three-quarter time.
Historical Background
There is no historical evidence available related to the origin of
this dance style called “Binasuan” in the Philippines. However, it has
been an integral part of the Filipino culture over the years. In fact
since the country is extremely pious, it has been used by people down
the years to express their gratitude towards god. In addition, this
dance is also performed during auspicious occasions such as a
marriage.
Binasuan Cups
One of the dancers may fill each individual cup with rice wine
and distribute them out to the other performers at the start of a
binasuan performance. The dancers can even enter the stage with the
cups filled and balanced on their heads and hands. Fill each cup about
halfway with rice wine for your binasuan dance. Water can also be
used. Place one cup on the flattest region of your skull, directly
beneath the crown of your head, to balance them. Place another on
one of your palms. Another individual will be required to place the last
glass on your other palm. Keep your head up and your eyes straight
forward. To hold, keep your hands facing up and slightly clasped.
Costumes used in the Binasuan
Dance:
The traditional “Balintawak”
costume is used by the performers
in this dance form.
Music involved in the Binasuan
Dance:
The musical instrument mainly
used in this dance form is the
Pitoy Oras.
Binusuan Steps
Video source: https://youtu.be/Ahnr7vCkGVo
Binasuan footwork looks remarkably similar to waltz steps. First,
step out to the side with your right foot. Next, move your left foot up
to your right foot. Third, tap your right foot. Now repeat this sequence,
this time stepping to the side with your left foot.
The Binasuan is performed by dancers as they carry full wine glasses in both
hands and on top of their heads. Wine is traditionally used in the dance, but
any dark-colored beverage will do. The dance often involves balancing tricks,
so there are no specific moves that are set in stone. If you'd like to try the
Binasuan though, these steps will get you started. Consider practicing with
empty, plastic cups until you get the hang of the movements.
1. Step in a flowing motion onto the center of your performance area.
As you step, balance the wine glass carefully on your head. Also,
keep your hands turned up to balance both wine glasses.
2. Sway your hips to the right while lifting the wine glasses high
above your head.
3. Sway your hips to the left while lifting the wine glasses high above
your head.
4. Twirl in place quickly while balancing the wine glasses for thirty
seconds, concluding the twirl with your face to the audience.
5. Step forward with your right foot and bring your right arm forward
in a flowing motion.
6. Step forward with your left foot and bring your left arm forward in
a flowing motion.
7. Rotate your arms over your shoulder in small, circular motions as
you step from left to right in small, quick motions for 30 seconds.
8. Twirl and rotate your arms below shoulder height.
To move along when you and the other dancers are moving in a
circle, step to the side with your right foot. Now kick your left foot out:
This is a small motion, so make sure your foot is only coming about
three inches off the floor. Point your toe. Third, tap your left toes on
the ground. Because the music is in three-quarter time, your steps
should go like this: step, kick, tap, step, kick, tap.
To perform an arm balance, hold your arms up and out to the
sides, with your palms up and your elbows slightly bent, held at about
waist level. Your arms should look like you’re carrying a large log,
balancing it on your palms and the insides of your forearms. Now, as
you kick your left foot out in the waltz step, make a large circle in the
air with your left arm. This circle should be horizontal–that is, all its
points should be at the same height. You’ll make the circle by first
bringing the heel of your hand close to your bicep, then moving your
hand out to the left, keeping your hand flexed so your glass stays
level. Straighten your elbow gradually as you keep moving your hand
out and to the left. Keep a slight bend in your elbow as you reach the
widest part of the circle, which will place your hand in front of your
bicep again, but this time about two feet away from it. Keep moving
your hand in this circle until it’s all the way back close to your bicep
again. This entire arm movement should take up one three-count in
the music. Now, as you kick out your right foot, perform the same
motion with your right arm.
Training availability and the technique involved in the Binasuan
Dance:
In terms of “technique”, the performers in this dance rotate their
arms over and under the shoulder in order to keep their palms facing
upwards. In addition, while dancing the performers have to hold wine
filled glasses in both hands. Furthermore, in this dance the performer
has to ensure that the wine does not spill over during a performance.
As for training centers/schools, there are none availbale around the
world since this Filipino “folk” dance is mainly performed in Philippines.
Video Links:
- https://youtu.be/a4rIlj7WxS8
- https://youtu.be/lmAVEDOawbo
- https://youtu.be/o5RN2P-0D3w
REFERENCES
o Dancing through the Decades: most popular dance styles over the
past 100 years (arthurmurraydancenow.com)
o Binasuan Folk Dance - Balon Bayambang
o History of Dance - From Ancient Rituals to Modern Dances
(dancefacts.net)
o BINASUAN DANCE - PHILIPPINES: Dancing With Wine
Glasses In Hand - Dance Ask
