It’s that time of the year again! Spring is around the corner, the weather is getting warmer, and the rhythmic clack of bamboo poles has been echoing around Notre Dame more frequently than ever … Culturella is coming . . . and the Filipino Culture Club has been working on their dance for months.
Mr. Bataclan, the club’s moderator, said, “For Culturella, we’re performing a cultural dance known as Tinikling.”
Tinikling is a traditional Filipino dance that is performed between two to four thick bamboo poles that are ten to twelve feet in length.
These bamboo poles are continuously clapped together in a steady rhythmic pattern.
The dancers must hop between the sticks and follow the beat of the music to avoid their ankles getting hit.

The term “Tinikling” translates to “to be or perform like tikling.”
A tikling (the Visayan name) is a species of barred rail bird. In Tinikling, dancers embody the characteristics of the tikling bird as it hops along the grass and dodges the bamboo traps set by Filipino farmers to protect their rice fields.
Originating from the island of Leyte during the Spanish colonization of the Philippines (1565 – 1898), the Tinikling dance is said to have been inspired by rice farmers on the Visayan Islands imitating the movements of tikling birds.
This popular folk dance is considered one of the oldest in the country and represents the Bayanihan (buy-uh-nee-hun) spirit — Filipinos’ concept of helping one another most especially in times of need without expecting anything in return.
Through the years, the art form has transformed into the colorful and fast-paced dance we see today.
Today’s versions of the dance involve intricate group arrangements, circular movements, and partnered sequences, in addition to the classic steps using two poles.
The Tinikling performance is a staple at Culturella.
“I think it’s our third year performing this for Culturella,” Mr. Bataclan said. The Filipino Culture Club has been meeting every Friday for months to rehearse.
This year’s performance, however, will be extra special.
“This year we’re dancing to both traditional music and modern music,” said Filipino Culture Club Social Media Manager Jayda Lee ‘27.
Tinikling is always a smash-hit at Culturella, and this year will be just as exciting.
Be sure to catch the Filipino Culture Club’s performance for a vibrant celebration of Filipino heritage! Get excited Knights!