Dinaklisan Dance Literature — History, Choreography & Cultural Significance

Dinaklisan is an Ilocano folk dance rooted in the coastal traditions of Currimao, Ilocos Norte. Designed as a vibrant testament to the region’s fishing culture, it dramatizes the use of the “daklis” (fishing net) and celebrates themes of harvest, resilience, and gratitude. This article delves into the dance literature surrounding Dinaklisan—its history, steps, cultural context, and performance practices.

A staged representation of Dinaklisan dance from Currimao.

Origins & Historical Context

The term “Dinaklisan” comes from the Ilocano word “daklis,” referring to a large rectangular fishing net. The dance originated in Currimao, Ilocos Norte—a coastal community where fishing is the primary livelihood. It symbolizes hard work, communal bonding, and thanksgiving to both nature and higher powers for safe voyages and bountiful harvests. The dance is the centerpiece of the annual Dinaklisan Festival, which typically takes place from the last week of April through the first week of May and includes a fluvial parade honoring their patron saint, Nuestra Señora de la Paz.

Fluvial parade during the Dinaklisan Festival in Currimao.

Theme & Narrative

Dinaklisan dramatizes the fisherfolk’s technique of casting and pulling the fishing net, using stylized movements such as “salok” (scooping) and waltz-type steps. These steps evoke grace amid labor and mirror both the motion of nets and the rhythm of the sea.

Choreography & Props

• Props: The central prop is the “daklis” fishing net, often simulated by dancers through arm and body movements.
• Movements: Key movements include “salok” (scooping) gestures and smooth waltz-like footwork performed while balancing a bilao (winnowing basket) at the waist.
• Formation: It may involve solo or group formations that reflect the collective strength and rhythm of the fishing community.

Arm and body movements simulate net casting in Dinaklisan choreography.

Music & Costumes

Music typically aligns with the dance’s rhythmic waltz tempo, though specifics are less documented. Costumes highlight coastal and fishing motifs—light, practical attire evocative of everyday fisherfolk dress, adapted for stage visibility.

Cultural Significance

Dinaklisan holds multiple cultural functions:

• A preservation of Currimao’s maritime identity and sustainable livelihood.
• A festive expression of gratitude for protection and harvest, visible in both the dance and related fluvial ceremonies 
• An educational and representational dance included in cultural festivals—such as Laoag’s Pamulinawen Festival—where Dinaklisan has gained recognition in dance competitions 

Scene from a stage rendition of Dinaklisan highlighting net-weaving motions.

Dinaklisan in Dance Literature

Within the body of dance literature—that is, written, audiovisual, and pedagogical materials—Dinaklisan is featured in:

• Ethnographic documentation and PDFs describing origin, choreography, and community meaning.
• Case studies analyzing Ilocano folk dances, including Dinaklisan, within interdisciplinary contexts such as physics education—highlighting concepts like balance and motion.
• Festival scripts and regional dance guides used in academic and cultural presentations.

References

• Uploaded by Al Molina. (n.d.). Dinaklisan Folk Dance: Origins & Cultural Significance. StudyLib. Retrieved from Scribd. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
• Scribd. (n.d.). Dinaklisan Dance Literature [PDF]. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
• Creative Industries II. (n.d.). *Dances in Luzon: Dinaklisan*. Scribd. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
• International Journal of Religion. (n.d.). *Physics Concepts Reflected in Ilocano Folk Dances*. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
• The Ilocos Times. (2015, March 27). *Pamulinawen Festival tops Panagbenga Festival open street dance tilt*. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
• Allevents. (2025). *Filipino Folk Dance (Ilokano Rural Dance: Dinaklisan)*. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}