Tinikling more specifically refers to the Slaty-breasted Rail ("Gallirallus striatus"), the Buff-banded Rail ("Gallirallus philippensis"), and the Barred Rail ("Gallirallus torquatus"). The term "tinikling" literally means "to perform it 'tikling"-like." The dance originated in Leyte, an island in the Visayas in the central Philippines. It imitates the movement of the "tikling" birds as they walk between grass stems, run over tree branches, or dodge bamboo traps set by rice farmers. Dancers imitate the tikling bird's legendary grace and speed by skillfully maneuvering between large bamboo poles. Today tinikling is taught throughout the United States. In grades K-12 the dance is used
The School of Dance career college and a seminary of learning. The Contemporary Dance Programme is approved as a vocational program under the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005. Hodgins directs The School of Dance with an operating budget of over $1 million and a growing staff of 3 full-time and 87 contract teachers, musicians, choreographers and artists. From the mid-1980s to 1999, The School of Dance rented a three-studio facility on Catherine Street. In 1996, The School of Dance added professional modern dance training and teacher training. In 1998, The School of Dance began its co-operative relationship with the National Arts Centre, producing choreography