Pangalay - Tambuli Cultural Dance Troupe

Pangalay is the classical dance of the Tausug from the Sulu Archipelago. The dancer uses janggay or ornamented metal nails to enhance the graceful hand movements accentuated by the shoulder and sensuous hip movements. It is an indigenous Philippine folk dance that predates the coming of Christianity and Islam. Traditionally, there is no set choreographed movements in pangalay. It is important to note that the faster the kulintangan music the SLOWER the movements of the hands and footwork. Contrary to popular belief, there is no such thing as a "janggay" dance found among the Tausugs and Sama Dilaut (bajau). Ramon Obusan created the dance based on his research of dances from the Sulu Archipelago. Pangalay is a classical dance that is part of the Philippines Southeast Asian heritage.