A DANCE NOTATION OF THE ATA MANOBO DANCES IN TALAINGOD, DAVAO DEL NORTE, PHILIPPINES

The purpose of this study is to document the Ata-Manobo indigenous dances in Talaingod, Davao del Norte, Philippines. Most ethnolinguistic groups' dances are still undocumented and are typically passed down orally. To depict human motion, however, the Labanotation or Kinetography Laban Method was employed. The researchers also described and examined the unique movements of each dance. The researchers immersed themselves in the Ata-Manobo community in Talaingod, Davao del Norte. There are eight dances that have been identified Aabaka, Natarin, Bangkakow, Tagudturan, Inamungan, Kulutawi, Pungko, and Kalasag. The following procedures were used to notate these dances using Kinetography Laban: (a) captures the dances, emphasizing the body motions; (b) translates the dance movements into a descriptive analysis; (c) examine every bodily movement and identify the notation that goes with it. The goal of this research paper is to support the frameworks that are being developed for the analysis of Ata Manobo traditions and practices. Additionally, it suggests becoming the group's physical dance education resource for upcoming and younger generations that aim to preserve their cultural identities.