TRANSFORMATIVE EMBODIMENT IN INDIGENOUS DANCES: TOWARDS A PERFORMATIVE SUSTAINABILITY MODEL

Abstract

The study proposes a novel Performative Sustainability Model based on the analysis of meanings of symbols present in the Bukidnon Dances using Charles Sanders Peirce’ Semiotic Theory. The findings show that the symbols common in Bukidnon Indigenous are the foot, hand, head, and body movements of the dancers; the distance between them and the materials they use such as white and red cloths, and spear. These symbols represent the movements of certain animals in Mt. Kitanglad and the cultural practices of as courtship, rituals, war, and weaving.  Animals being mimicked in the indigenous dances are found in the air, the trees, the waters, and the land. The cultural practices imitated in the dance movements are usually performed in reverence to guardians of nature, utilization of natural resources, natural tendencies of choosing purity and peace. The dances’ mimesis to the elements of nature signifies recognition and respect to the guardians of nature, and failing to perform these activities means the absence of guidance and providence. It means that the indigenous dances communicate the interdependence between animals and people on nature and transform attitude towards the environment. Based on this, a Performative Sustainability Model (PSM) is proposed. This research outcome offers a significant contribution to the area of environmental sustainability through art and culture as exemplified in indigenous Bukidnon dances. The originality of this work lies in its exploration of performative art in fostering environmental awareness and sustainability.