International Dance Conference on Pangalay and Related Dance Cultures

GENERAL INFORMATION

The Conference

Background and Rationale

Ours is a fast changing world. Many traditional dance forms are vanishing without having been documented. The reason is because traditional cultures in developing countries of Asia are pushed to the edge of obscurity by factors like westernization, globalization, war, poverty, environmental destruction and other threats. Amidst these challenges, there are dedicated teachers, dancers, social scientists and researchers who strive to conserve traditional dance forms.

Pangalay is one such dance form in Asia that is being pushed to oblivion. Pangalay is the dominant indigenous dance form of the Sulu Archipelago which antedates Islam and Christianity in the Philippines. The Sulu Archipelago is home to the Samal, Badjao, Tausug and Jama Mapun groups. This little-known dance style in the classical tradition from Southern Philippines has the richest movement vocabulary among all Philippine dances. The techniques and aesthetics of the pangalay bear closest affinity to the Cambodian, Thai and Indonesian styles of dancing.

The conference will bring together the dedicated cultural workers who believe in dance conservation. The conference strives to give central importance to peripheral art forms like traditional dance that are the key to strengthening a people’s cultural identity. It will draw attention to the necessity of keeping alive through dance the culture and the pristine nature and aspirations of the people.

Objectives

General Objectives:

• To foster international cooperation among participating Asian countries through appreciation of the similarities of Asian dance forms;
• To foster peace and understanding through dance;

Specific Objectives:

• To foster conservation and popularization of the pangalay dance style in the Philippines as it relates to the rich Asian dance cultures of Cambodia, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan and other countries;
• To familiarize the participants with the unique pangalay dance style as related to other Asian dances;
• To familiarize the participants with the traditional methods of instruction of the various countries / groups which is the key to conservation;
• To hold an exhibit of costume, music and props utilized in the dance performances to show Asian cultural affinities;
• To draw up a plan of activities for the next three years to ensure conservation of the pangalay and other traditional Asian dance styles.

Conference Program

Day 1

• Registration
• Opening—National Anthems and Parade of Costumes
• Ecumenical Ritual
• Creative Lecture-Demonstration by each group:

Historical Context of Dance and related topics: dance instruction method and movement vocabulary (alphabet of dancing), manner of performance/dance presentation, classification of dance (classical, folk, adaptation to contemporary forms)

Day 2

• Continuation of Creative Lecture-Demonstration by each group: Historical Context of Dance and related topics
• Rehearsal for public performance

Day 3

• Workshop: Problems encountered in conservation and popularization
• Program and Planning for future collaborative activities
• Public Performance / Open Forum

Day 4

• Evaluation of the Conference
• Guided Tour of Marikina City / Rest and Recreation