#pinikpikan

Singkil is a folk dance of the Maranao people of Lake Lanao (the Philippines). It is Muslim royalty dance originating from the Filipino province Lanao del Sur on Mindanao island. The dance is performed with a royal entourage. Dancers weave through crisscrossed bamboo poles that are clacked together in a rhythmic clapping. It is said that this dance tells a legend about a princess who was caught in the middle of the forest during the earthquake organized by the diwatas (guardian spirits or fairies). The moves of the female lead folk dancer represent the gracefulness of the princess surrounded by falling bamboo trees. The male lead dancer represents the legendary Prince Bantugan of the Darangen, and he dances around the bamboo poles with his sword and shield. The Filipino singkil dance is a great sight to behold.