Folk dance is a form of dance developed by a group of people that reflects the traditional life of a certain country or region. Folk dancing represents the dance forms of the common people as opposed to those from the upper classes. The term "folk dance" is simply defined as a dance that has a particular set of steps or figures that repeat in time to music. There are also usually partners in folk dancing, where everyone from one couple to many couples can dance at one time.
The natives of Southern and Northern Kalinga have more ritualistic dances than those of the other ethnic group from Benguet, Ifugao and Mountain Province of the Cordilleras. Their dances are performed according to a particular ritual or ceremony such as birth, courtship, marriage and other festivities. These different dances are accompanied with the sounds of Gangsas or bamboo musical instruments. The Kalinga have the most number of musical instruments among the Cordilleras.
The dance shows the colorful culture of the Kalinga. It is a unique form of dance that imitates the movements of rooster (male) and hen (female). But it can be compared to “Banga dance”. The steps are unique from other dances. In addition, their costumes are unique which is finely woven by the Kalinga people.
One of the pride of the Philippines in terms of folk dances is called Salidsid. Salidsid is a courtship dance from the municipality of Tanudan, Southern Kalinga. The male dancer simulates a rooster trying to attract the attention of a hen while the female imitates the movements of a hen being circled by a rooster. Furthermore, the female dances with layers of pots as male dancer carries a blanket called allap while imitating the movements of a chicken. From the costume of the dancers that is finely woven. The dance starts as the boy approaches the girl and waves his allap as a sign of invitation. The steps and movements simulate the movement of a rooster at love plays to attract a young hen. The female dancer runs away to evade the boy as he prevents her by blocking her way. The boy too may refuse the acceptance of the girl to prolong the dance. At the end of the dance, the boy offers his hands to the girl and shake hands. The performance shows the colorful culture of wedding in Kalinga. The female dancers’ dances gracefully despite of the layered pot on top of their head shows an excellent execution. The swaying of the hands gracefully matches the rhythm of the music. In another vignette the male dancers surrounded the female dancer in circular formation and dance like a rooster while the female dancer is turning around and making hand gesture as she is choosing from one of the mall dancers. The gong beaters are seated at the corner of the stage in a semi-circle formation. The beat of the instrumental matches the flow of the dance. The audience shows amazement as the female dancer carry the pot or “banga”.
Folk dancing is a broad term used to describe a wide array of dances. Every culture around the world has its own folk dances, and there are usually specific ones for big celebrations like weddings. Folk dances like Salidsid is one of the Filipino pride. It represents the rich culture of the Philippines.