Kim and Maria Altamero would like to thank Soul Purpose for allowing them to share their passion for dance and their culture with the company for the first time this year. Tonight, they are presenting “CARIÑOSA” and “SUBLI.”
Cariñosa is a flirtatious dance known throughout the Philippines. Cariñosa means affectionate, lovable, or amiable. With a fan or handkerchief, the dancers go through hide-and-seek movements and other flirting acts expressing tender feelings for one another. There are many versions of this dance, but the hide-and-seek movements are common in all.
Subli comes from the word “subsub” meaning stooped and “bali” meaning broken. The dancers with castanets have a bent-forward position as if carrying a heavy cross throughout the dance while their partners dance with hats. Subli is just one dance that captures the spirit of the Barrio Fiesta… to show the audience the Filipinos’ lively spirit, their love for music and the pleasure in the simplicities of life.
The Philippines consists of 7,107 islands and has a rich cultural heritage which includes a diverse collection of traditional dances. The Filipinos created folk dances as one way of showing such love and respect for their country. As we explore the Spanish and Rural regions and styles, the Altameros hope you enjoy this tribute to their country and Filipino culture.