This year our Maria Clara dances are: Imunan, Malaguena, and Mantones de Seda.

Depending on the dance, you could be soft and flirty or fierce and playing hard to get. You’ll definitely get in touch with your romantic side. Smizing and smirking is recommended. 😉 Filipinos love a good love story, so will the one in PCN 2019 come true?

Imunan

A courtship dance from San Jacinto, Pangasinan. Imunan means “jealousy.” The dance depicts a love triangle, two girls and one boy. In this dance, the boy tries to please the girls who are trying their best to get his attention and favor. The boy shows an admirable attempt to please both girls by paying attention, flirting, and dancing with them, one after the other.

Malagueña

This dance was a favorite dance of the people of Laguana and Quezon during the Spanish Era. Malaga is a region in the Iberian peninsula, which is a part of Spain. Malagueña means “a lady of Malaga.” The “flexed elbow flapping” movement is similar to Filipino dances that mimic birds or fowls.

Mantones de Seda

Mantones de Seda means “shawls of silk.” A strong poetic echo from the Iberian influenced past, danced to the Rondalla (Filipino stringed instruments). Like many other jotas, it has the usual stamping and the use of unstrung castanets. A special feature of the dance showcases the many ways of using the Manton de Manila, an embroidered silk shawl associated with the Port of Manila.

 

Past Maria Clara dances

2018 – Lazos de Amor, Putritos, Jota Paragua

2017 – Polkabal, Cariñosa, Panderetas

2016 – Sarong Banggi, Lanceros de Tayabas, Jota Paragua