All the dance steps are combinations of only three basic 4/4 tinikling steps. These steps are called Singles, Doubles, and Hops.
Four people should be two boys and two girls. The first couple performs the dance and the other couple operate the bamboo poles by hitting them together and also tapping them on the floor in rhythm to the music. When the first couple dancing makes an error in their dance steps, the other couple takes their turn and this is where the fun starts especially when the dance speed gets faster and faster. Further, tinikling is very similar to jump rope, but instead of a spinning rope, two bamboo poles are used.
WARNING: Ensure that very flexible poles are used. Use hollow bamboo, not rattan, which is similar looking, but solid.
You can visit the Music & Videos section to see the tinikling dance in action.
Four people should be two boys and two girls. The first couple performs the dance and the other couple operate the bamboo poles by hitting them together and also tapping them on the floor in rhythm to the music. When the first couple dancing makes an error in their dance steps, the other couple takes their turn and this is where the fun starts especially when the dance speed gets faster and faster. Further, tinikling is very similar to jump rope, but instead of a spinning rope, two bamboo poles are used.
WARNING: Ensure that very flexible poles are used. Use hollow bamboo, not rattan, which is similar looking, but solid.
- Singles: When the poles are on the dancers right side (right foot lead) the foot work of two Singles steps would be as follows:
-
Count 1 - Hop on left foot outside poles
Count 2 - Hop again on left foot outside poles
Count 3 - Step on right foot between poles
Count 4 - Step on left foot between poles
Count 1 - Hop right foot outside poles
Count 2 - Hop again on right foot outside poles
Count 3 - Step on left foot between poles
Count 4 - Step on right foot between poles
- Doubles: The foot work for two Doubles Steps (with right side next to poles) would be:
-
Count 1 - Hop on both feet outside poles
Count 2 - Hop again on both feet outside poles
Count 3 - Hop on both feet between poles
Count 4 - Hop again on both feet between poles
Count 1 - Hop on both feet outside (straddling) poles
Count 2 - Hop again on both feet outside poles
Count 3 - Hop on both feet between poles
Count 4 - Hop again on both feet between poles
- Hops: The footwork for two Hops steps (right foot lead) would be as follows:
-
Count 1 - Hop on left outside poles
Count 2 - Hop again on left foot outside poles
Count 3 - Hop on right foot between poles
Count 4 - Hop again on right foot between poles
Count 1 - Hop on left foot outside poles
Count 2 - Hop again on left foot outside poles
Count 3 - Hop on right foot between poles
Count 4 - Hop on right foot between poles
You can visit the Music & Videos section to see the tinikling dance in action.