Tracing Bati-Bati: A Dance Tradition

Abstract

Sayaw ng Pagbati or Bati-Bati which means to greet or to welcome is a street dance which embodies the joy in the resurrection of Jesus Christ for the Catholic community in the town of San Dionisio, Parañaque, Philippines. This is performed by little girls in white dresses who dance before the images of the Risen Christ and His Blessed Mother in front of the Cathedral of St. Andrew. It is known as original to the towns of La Huerta and San Dionisio. In doing a preliminary study on this dance, I employ Adrienne Kaeppler’s moment work and Patrick Alcedo’s different perspectives in understanding a religious dance with the following questions: Why was Bati-Bati so important to the people of Parañaque? Who were the patrons, composers, performers, and audiences? How did these dances come to their present complexity? And What could dance tell me about society?

In employing Kaeppler’s moment work and Alcedo’s various perspectives in understanding a religious festival, this preliminary work on Sayaw ng Pagbati presents the following observations. The San Dionisio community deeply prides itself of its religious activities such as the Sayaw ng Pagbati. Hence, this pride motivates them to make their tradition alive and visually appealing. As I try to trace the development of the dance, it is evident that the Catholic community and the existing culture in the barangay is greatly responsible in shaping their traditions, such as the dance, Bati-Bati.