Tinikling 2.0: Old Steps, New Vibes

By Niko Del Rey

ICYMI, we did a deep dive on the origins of Tinikling, a traditional Filipino dance straight out of Leyte that’s basically the ultimate test of rhythm and reflexes. Picture this: two dancers, weaving and gliding between clacking bamboo poles, moving like birds dodging branches (yes, that’s the inspo). It’s giving elegance, it’s giving precision, it’s giving “don’t trip or you’re out.” Think of it as the Filipino remix of the waltz, but with way more energy and footwork that could humble even the best TikTok dancers. Honestly? Every Filipino should experience it at least once, because nothing bonds you to your roots like dancing for your life between flying bamboo.

So what would it look like if we ditched the costumes and classical music and made it, Gen Z? Well let’s dive into 5 ways kids “these days” are having fun doing tinikling but making it Gen Z. 

1. Tinikling but make it Hip Hop.

From the top of the piece, this performance is modernized and untraditional from any tinikling you might have seen in the past but you can also see from the audiences faces how captivated they are from the very first beat. Straiying from the typical cadence and using the poles to match the music already has jaws dropped and we think you might wowed as well!

2. Tinikling but make it Bay Area.

I love the arc and the story of this piece. First it honors traditional Tinikling with absolute perfection. The music, choreography, costume, and even the lead up into the dance was spot on for me. But at the switch up, the pole dancers put a little bay area style while incorporating iconic bay area hip hop dance moves AND tinikling into P-Lo’s Sneeze (who is also Filipino).

3. Tinikling but make it Justin Timberlake.

This was such a fun performance to watch! For me, what really makes it stand out is the incorporation of the bamboo rhythms into Suit and Tie, making the choreography and music match effortlessly. Not to mention how these kids don’t miss a beat at such a fast tempo, these kids don’t mess around!

4. Tinikling but make it 80s.

Imagine Kevin Bacon rushing down the staircase into a room full of teenage angst ready to dance the night away… to tinikling! That’s exactly the aura you get from this piece. Such a fun choice of nostalgia paired with your favorite traditional Filipino dance. The Tita’s and Tito’s in the background are having just as much fun, if not more, than the dancers.  

5. Tinikling but make it High School Musical.

Speaking of teenage angst, I can only imagine how many millennials (much like myself) have imagined how awesome it would be if my school’s cafeteria turned into High School Musica, randomly bursting out in dance and song. But now lets make it tinikling and have the whole gym erupting in dance. This piece has the choreo down, the blindfolds, moving bamboo sticks, and even some aerial flips. This wasn’t the tinikling I was practicing for during debut practice. 

So yeah, Tinikling isn’t just a dance, it’s a full-on cultural moment. It’s rhythm, athleticism, and history wrapped up in one, proving that Filipinos have been serving footwork long before viral dance trends. Whether you’ve mastered the steps or just appreciate the art (no shame in that), experiencing Tinikling at least once is a must. So go ahead, test your reflexes, channel your ancestors, and try not to get your ankles clipped.