Taught by a member of LIKHA-Pilipino Folk Ensemble, the Philippine folk dance company that has instructed UC Berkeley's PCNs for the last 30 years, this class is an introductory course to the wide variety of Philippine Folk Dances, including dances from the Cordilleran, Rural, Maria Clara, Lumad, and Maranao suites of Philippine folk dance. Students will learn about the histories, basic movements, cultures, music, and cultural attire associated with Philippine folk dances. Through LIKHA-Pilipino Folk Ensemble, students will have the opportunity to interact with authentic textiles and accessories, musical instruments, props, research videos and historical documents from the Philippines, and speak with indigenous culture bearers from the Philippines. Students will also learn about the history, politics, and philosophies of Philippine folk dance as a performance art.

ASSIGNMENTS:
Students’ only assignment will be a final project, where they either A) critique a Philippine folk dance performance, B) craft a hypothetical Philippine folk dance performance, or C) choreograph and dance 1 Philippine folk dance.

ATTENDANCE:
Classes are every Tuesday 6:30-8:00pm beginning September 10th. Students are expected to attend as many of the weekly classes as possible. One class may be missed without penalty, but students will still be able to pass the class even if more classes are missed if good faith participation and effort is demonstrated.

Enrollment has now closed. If you are still interested in Philippine folk dances, email smz@berkeley.edu