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
National Dance Alliance National Dance Alliance The National Dance Alliance (NDA), originally named the NCA Superstar, was established in 1999 as a “full service provider in the dance spirit industry”. The NDA is the sister company of the National Cheer Association (NCA), which was founded by Lawrence Herkimer in 1948. In 1976, the NCA created the NCA Superstar to make a distinction between the dance and cheerleading aspects of the company. Eventually in 1999, the NCA Superstar changed its name to the National Dance Alliance. The National Dance Alliance (NDA) is the sister company of the National Cheer Association (NCA) founded by Lawrence