Tinikling, which is also known as the “Bamboo Dance,” is basically the national dance of the Philippines. There are variations, but usually two festively dressed performers hold two parallel poles (clappers) and strike them against the ground to make rhythmic “clack” sounds. Meanwhile, two other performers (often barefoot) hop over the poles.
Enjoy, learn, and wonder at this unique, ancient art form during Celebrate with Dance: Tinikling at King Manor Museum on Saturday, May 10, at 2 pm.
Presented by the Queensboro Dance Festival as a celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, this two-hour event includes a mini workshop, crafts, and typical Filipino snacks.
Admission is free and all ages are welcome.
Located inside Rufus King Park at 150-03 Jamaica Ave., King Manor is a worthy destination without a special event. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974, the mansion was once the home of Rufus King (1755-1827), one of the youngest framers of the Constitution, a senator, an ambassador to Great Britain, and a candidate for president. From 1805 to 1896, King and his descendants lived on about 120 acres of land, where they raised livestock and sowed wheat, barley, potatoes, corn, strawberries, apples, and peaches. Today, eleven acres of the original property still surround the house.
Tinikling, like many time-honored dances, has several variations and a disputed origin. Some historians contend that it derives from a way to keep birds from destroying crops. Others argue that it comes from a form of punishment for farm laborers who weren’t working hard enough (according to their lords).
Variations include singles and doubles, different beat patterns, and using four poles in a crisscross. The accompanying music varies, too.
Editor’s note: This is an unrelated event, but Queensboro Dance Festival 2025 will run from June 7 to Sept. 13. It will present more than 30 free performances, themed parties, and classes throughout Queens outdoor spaces. Twenty-one borough-based troupes will participate with such styles as Argentine Folk, Traditional Indigenous Filipino, Bolivian Caporales, Modern, Classical Indian Odissi, Salsa, Ecuadorian, Hip-Hop, Chinese, West African, Tap, Flamenco, House, Classical Indian Kathak, Jazz, Mexican, Ballet, Korean, and fusions.