Revitalizing Cultural Education: A Documentary Study on the Indigenous Dances of the Applai Tribe in Northern Philippines and their Implications for Arts and Dance Educators

Abstract

This qualitative study used ethnographic research methods to explore the dances, music, musical instruments, costumes, and props of the Applai Tribe in Cagayan province, Northern Philippines. Key informants, including elders and chieftains, were interviewed using an in-depth interview questionnaire, and an exhibition of dance and music performance was requested to capture visual and contextual aspects. Information was dissected through episodic and content examination, utilizing open coding, pivotal coding, and particular coding. The study revealed that the Applai dances convey the identity and heritage of the tribe as a people, reflecting their relationship with the earth and their intimate connection with nature. The study also found that the basic musical instruments used in the dances are the gangsa, solibao, and metal tong, with 2/4 time signatures and accented notes in their rhythms. The study concludes that the Applai dances are treated with utmost importance in the community and recommends further research into the tribe's culture and traditions.