Maria Clara
Love, Elegance, and Charm. Three words that define the Maria Clara Suite. Influenced by traditional Spanish and European dances such as the waltz and polka, newly introduced to the Philippines at the time, the Filipinos welcomed these dances and incorporated their own styles and special flare. This suite is also named in honor of a legendary female character named “Maria Clara” from Jose Rizal’s novel “Noli me Tangere,” who symbolizes the virtues and nobility the traditional Filipina woman upholds.
Aray
A Filipino jota originating from Manila. A flirtatious dance where the women use tambourines, fans, and shawls to impress the men. Aray means “ouch,” which is depicted by the fast foot movements in the dance.
Timawa
Meaning “forsaken lover.” A courtship dance that is originated from Lanot in the Philippines. The story of this dance is where a man and women meet each other at a gathering and learn that they both have experienced the same misfortune, so they have sympathy and comfort for each other.