Salvosa, N. N. (1973). Igorot dance movement expressions of a Philippine
Mountain Tribe. (Unpublished master’s thesis). Dallas : Southern
Methodist University.
Physical location: University of the Cordilleras Library, Baguio City
ABSTRACT
The purpose of the thesis was to contribute to dance historical research in
the area of ethnic dance expressions, focusing mainly on the Mountain Tribes of
the Philippines, otherwise known as the Igorots.
Research involved investigation of available literature and pictorial
illustrations pertaining to authentic Igorot dances as well as inquiry into the
background of the tribes with particular attention to those aspects of culture
giving clues to the tribal dance expressions. Furthermore, for contrast and better
understanding of the surviving primitive dances, research extended to other
Philippine ethnic and folk dances of non-primitive nature. Igorot dance music was
also studied and notated to supplement choreographic reconstruction of selected
tribal dances.
The thesis thus represents a record of authentic pagan dances belonging
to four Igorot tribes: Benguets, Bontocs, Ifugaos and Kalingas. Included
reference materials serve for the candidate, the beginning of an intended
continuing series of studies on co-existing diversified Philippine dance
expressions which exemplify transformations undergone by dance, from its
primitive beginnings to its more contemporary forms. The complete series will
then serve as basis for a future course in dance history.

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