Sala Ti Mais Dance Literature for the Folkdance

Dance Literature

1. SALA TI MAIS Dance Literature

2. Dance Researcher: EVANGELINE E. MARTINES Resource Person: MILA R. ANCHETA 1995 National Folk Dance Workshop Meaning : Dance of the corn Dance Culture : Lowland Christians Place of Origin : Province of Isabela Ethnolinguistic Group : Ilocano Ibanag Classification : Occupational

3. Background / Context: Isabela earned its name as the corn granary of the Philippines, owling to the vast expanse planted to corn, extending to as far as the eyes can see. Specializing in the big yellow variety, Isabela has employed the most number of corn farmers in Cagayan Valley. Between planting and harvesting the farmers return home to other chores. Harvest time turns the entire cornfield into a big festival ground. Some days before the big harvest, long and healthy ears of corn are chosen and decoratively set on a sunburst totem pole staked in the middle of big clearing. It serves as the festivals center ground. Tables and mats set with food and drinks are arranged along the perimeter of the clearing to which the revelers fill up. The corn field festival lasts for several days. The first day is always the best and well-attended, boisterous and merry. Wine makes singers sing more and dancers dance more. Farmers who come in costumes in the colors of corn-yellow green and beige are delightful to behold. A moderately-tailed slete cuchillos , a wide sleeved topper and a be-ribboned hat make a stunning picture of a farmer-lass. Well-scrubbed, fresh smelling young man looks outstanding in his pinukpot shirt, pants and hat. As soon as the local rondalla strikes up the familiar music of sala ti mais , many dash of place in the dance area. Holding two ears of corn each, the farmers playfully depict everything that happens in the cornfield. A semblance of a dance stats to manifest as soon as circle, lines and serpentine follow-the-leader formations and other floor patterns emerge to picture the placement of farmers working in the fields. For a finale, the party-going farmers thankfully raise ears of corn in reverence to the Great Corn Giver.

4. Dance Properties: Costume: Female: Top ( Baro ) : Blouse of pinukpok abaca; 3/4 moderate bell-sleeves Without decoration, bodice short waist; cotton or the like Scarf ( Alampay ) : Chosen version of mantilla over shoulders Skirt (Saya) : Siete cuchillos cut, slender on the waist, seven panel inserted on the hemline to achieve a flare; material of pinukpok or abaca. Accessories : Simple gold or fancy jewelry Footwear : None Male: Top: Local color camisa de chino, the camiseta type; other versions fit for rural activities will do. Pants: Colorful Footwear: None Props: Two ears of corn Musical Accompaniment: Rondalla Music: 3/4 Composed of two parts: A and B Count: One, two, three to a measure Dance Equipment: Each dancer holds a corn cob in each hang. Formation: Partners stand opposite each other about six feet apart. Girl stands at the right side of Boy when facing the audience. One to any number of pairs may take part in the dance.