VIRGINIA BEACH — Calling all dancers.
An attempt to break the Guinness World Records for the largest number of tinikling dance participants will be held on the beach at 10 a.m. Oct. 4, during Fil Fest USA, a celebration of the Filipino American community.
Tinikling is widely considered the national dance of the Philippines. It generally involves dancers hopping over and in between a set of clapping bamboo poles. The folk dance originated on Leyte Island during the Spanish colonial era and mimics the agile movements of tinkling birds as they dodge bamboo traps set by rice farmers.
The current world record for the largest tinikling dance was set in 2014 in Texas with 344 people in costume dancing for more than five minutes in synchronicity.
“There’s a time element, a costume element and that everybody has practiced the same thing,” said Naomi Estaris, director Fil Fest USA, who is working with Guinness World Records officials to meet the requirements for the attempt.
Free practices will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday at the Virginia Philippine Cultural Center, 4857 Baxter Road.
A traditional tinikling costume is not required to participate in the record-breaking attempt. Dancers can don Philippine flag colors — red, yellow and blue, or a shirt that will be provided, Estaris said.
Fil Fest will be held Oct. 3-5 at Rudee Loop at the Oceanfront. It will include a pickleball tournament, pageant, lumpia eating contest and live music.
The tinikling dance is often performed at large gatherings, weddings and cultural festivals. Fil Fest USA’s attempt to break the tinikling world record will be open to people of all ages and backgrounds.
“We know if we don’t continue these traditions they will die,” Estaris said. “We want everyone coming, everyone who enjoys our culture.”
A tutorial and registration is available on the Fil Fest website at filfestusa.com/tinikling
Stacy Parker, 757-222-5125, stacy.parker@pilotonline.com