Introduction: Explaining the famous, yet complex dance, otherwise known as the tinikling, is almost as difficult as finding one's way around in the dark. In both cases, although the task is quite challenging, they both eventually can be completed with hard work and patience. .
Materials: .
Two, traditional bamboo poles, each 8 feet long.
Two slabs of wood, each with measurements of approximately 20"x5"x2".
Two tappers: people with coordinated arms who control the movements of the bamboo poles.
At least one dancer: people or person with well-working, coordinated legs (male or female) who "weaves" through the bamboo poles.
Both tappers and dancers must have some experience in rhythm and "staying with the beat".
Appropriate Filipino costumes and cultural music (optional).
Procedure:.
II. Setting Up.
A. Lay the two bamboo poles parallel to each other on the ground so that they are completely touching. .
B. Lift up both bamboo poles on the same side enough to place one of the wooden slabs directly underneath the raised ends. .
C. Lower the raised ends of the poles until they rest on the wooden slab with only a few inches of the poles overlapping it; adjust the wooden slab until it lies perpendicular to the bamboo poles.
D. Repeat steps 2 and 3, but with the opposite end of the bamboo poles.
E. Have two people kneel down at separate ends of the resting poles so that they are facing each other. These people are the tappers.
F. Have at least one more person stand at a comfortable distance next to the poles (about a foot) so that he or she is in between the two people kneeling down. These people or person will be the dancer(s).
G. The two tappers grab their ends of each bamboo pole with the corresponding hand (right hand with right pole end, left hand with left pole end). .
H. Have each tapper position each of their hands around the pole ends so that none of the fingers or thumbs interfere with the line of contact between the two poles.