Abstract

This study determined the embedded elements of the LaTorta Dance Festivals It sought to answer these objectives 1 trace the festival s origin and epitomized ethos 2 describes the festival s dance steps props costumes music and courtship and 3 extrapolate themes and values from the key informant s testimonies of faith The study employed an ethnographic design in a holistic cultural system There were 15 informants in the study 5 key informants KIs who were elderly aged 65 and above and a resident of Argao and 5 casual informants CIs who are choreographers dancers artists and local government officials who represented as the emic group and 5 general informants GIs who were foreigners and other local tourists and witnessed the festival to represent the etic group Argao s La Torta Dance Festivals is a culture mix of colonial and indigenous elements as depicted in the dance steps props and costumes music and courtship Its origin epitomized townspeople s ethos in the light of cultural dualism The torta remains an expression of gratitude and a shower of blessing which united the townspeople through a colorful festival as a symbol of faith to the patron saint as a protector of life It is recommended that aspiring composers arrangers and choreographers may continue the festival and encourage going beyond their imagination to improve its future choreography without altering the essence of its unique origin