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
Tinikling against the ground (or two raised pieces of wood) and each other in a triple metre pattern. Traditionally, the poles are tapped twice on the ground on the first two beats, then brought together on the third beat. Two or more dancers then weave through the rapidly moving bamboo poles with bare feet and ankles. The dancers have to carefully follow the rhythm so as not to get their ankles caught between the poles as they snap closed. They start the dance with their hands at their hips or clasped behind their backs. The tempo of the bamboo poles becomes