Growing up, Sandrine Adap (junior, computer science & mathematical studies) saw many of her friends perform this traditional Filipino dance.
“I didn't learn until I got here,” said Sandrine.
Tinikling.
Tradition. Nature. Life. Dance.
The Tuesday Choice, hosted by the AFIA officers, consisted of learning the traditional Filipino dance called Tinikling, traditionally done with bamboo sticks and cultural wear. It essentially involves multiple people rhythmically hopping in between bamboo sticks in an organized way. Tinikling is different from any other dance I have seen. It highlights the uniqueness of Filipino culture and how they value tradition.
Cielo Fernando, in her article “12 Most Notable Philippine Folk Dances That Will Get You Grooving”, she describes Tinikling as one of the most famous dances in the Philippines. “The movements of this Filipino folk dance imitate the movements of the tikling bird as it walks around through tall grass and between tree branches,” says Fernando.
If you are reading this and did not go to the co-curricular, Jaden Leiterman (junior, medical laboratory science), AFIA President, invites you to please go to Safari or Google for instruction. Next, copy and paste the following into the search bar: “A group of students from the Filipino Student Association at Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta go viral for performing a ‘modern’ interpretation of the Filipino folk dance.” Now please watch the video. You will not be dissapointed.
Jaden also mentioned how Filipino-American History goes a lot deeper than most people think.
“Although we are pretty well known on campus, it is always great to spread culture [with] Andrews being the one of the most diverse [universities]. I believe that culture is very important. In fact, it was one of the reasons that I chose to go to Andrews.”
Sandrine also stated how important it is for her to share her culture. “It creates an opportunity to connect with others while also sharing where I am from,” she says.
Tinikling was a great co-curricular activity because it is something that anybody can try. I saw lots of laughter, energy, and community being expressed through this dance. As some were learning the footwork, others were showing us the more advanced choreography. Tinikling is a lot of fun and you get a good cardio workout while also learning more about the history of Filipino culture.
If you want to learn more about Filipino culture while also being informed about events, go follow AFIA on Instagram @auafia.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.