I. The tappers then spread the poles out so that they still remain parallel, but are not touching anymore, and are about 20 inches apart.
II. Beginning the Beat.
A. A source for definite beat will be introduced, either by following the beat of music, or by being giving a designated beat. In any case, the beat will be evenly subdivided into three equal beats, one, two, and three. This beat will remain the same and continuous until the dance is over .
B. .
1.On beat one, the two tappers simultaneously raise their respective ends of the poles about 5 inches into the air, and then slam them down onto the wooden slabs directly on beat 1.
2.On beat two the two tappers raise the pole ends again about 3 inches into the air, and slam them simultaneously back down onto the wooden slab.
3.On beat three, the tappers simultaneously pull their two ends of the poles together until they slap, while the ends are still resting on the wooden slabs, then pull the poles back out again so they are at least 20 inches apart. All this is done before the beginning of the next Beat 1.
4.This simple beat is always used throughout the Tinikling.
III. Becoming Familiar with the Beat.
A. The dancer now moves to a reasonable distance to the left of the poles while they are constantly pulling apart and slapping together, in a rhythmic, steady beat. .
B. The dancer lightly taps his or her right foot down in between the poles on beat one, and then again on beat two. For both taps, the bamboo poles are spread out.
C. On beat three, the dancer lifts the right foot up, avoiding the collision of the two poles as their ends glide along the wooden slabs.
IV. Kinds of Steps .
A. Basic Step.
1. Beat one: .
a. Still standing to the left of the poles, the dancer balances on the left foot, with the right knee bent back at a 90-degree angle. .
b. Dancer hops off left leg, straightening right leg while suspended in air, and lands on right foot in between the two open poles.
