Abstract
This study analyzed the evolutionary transition of the Sinulog-based dance in Cebu, Philippines. It also sought to: contrast the traditional Sinug Dance and the contemporary Sinulog-based dance in terms of the dance steps, musicality, ritual, costumes, and the reason or purpose of dancing; identify the effects of the changes in the Sinulog-based dance in the tourism industry of Cebu City as a whole; generate a theory which serves as framework of the evolutionary transition of the Sinulog-based dance. A collective case study design with naturalistic observation was utilized. The transition of the traditional Sinug dance to the contemporary Sinulog dance was ignited by the change of external factors indicated in the Theory of Cultural Transition. The traditional Sinug dance was on the brink of extinction without the help of certain individuals and organization who took part in preserving this potential cultural heritage, as a response to the essentialist challenge posed by the cultural heritage advocates. The contemporary Sinulog dance transcended to a new culture after the Sinug was obliterated to a more progressivist view of change to increase tourist attraction catapulted to a more commercialized endeavor for tourism and business development opportunities.
Highlights
The modernity of the world has brought a great increase in the economy of the people due to the introduction of technology
The transition of the traditional Sinug dance to the contemporary Sinulog dance was ignited by the change of these external factors such as: necessity, commercialization, education, and modernity and flexibility of time
The traditional Sinug dance was on the brink of extinction without the help of certain individuals and organization who took part in preserving this potential cultural heritage, as a response to the essentialist challenge posed to the curators and cultural heritage advocates
Summary
The modernity of the world has brought a great increase in the economy of the people due to the introduction of technology. Transition of societies, from traditional to modern, risks the cultivation of cultural heritage. As modernization is entering a new fold, the “Kaamulan (convergence) Festival” in Malaybalay, Bukidnon in Mindanao is the epitome of the identity of the local community where it has endured the tests of time, the traditional rituals and dances are still being practiced by the tribal traditional communities [1], despite the entry of modernization. The cultural tradition has become a show because of the increasing number of performers and viewers, instead of an intimate tradition [2]. In these cases, the preservation of the cultural identity of a community through its dances brings unity among its people; whereas modernity contributes to the eradication of cultural identity respectively. The entry of tourists brings their respective cultures, pushes the townspeople the pressure to adapt to the global demands, providing growth in most aspects; but causing dilemmas in cultural preservation, whether to let go or to retain the traditions
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