he history of the Philippines is that of a countryconstantly melding its culture with that of outsiders, a narrative that is exemplified wellby Filipino folk dance history. The 300-year Spanish occupation of the Philippinesprofoundly influenced folk dancing. The 'MariaClara' style of dance is named after a Spanish-style dress and also named in honor of thelegendary Maria Clara, who remains a symbol of the virtues andnobility of the Filipina woman.One of the many Maria Clara dance styles is the Polka Bal.
he dance got its name from two popular dances in the late 1800s: the polka and balse(waltz). Though the balse is mentioned in thename of this dance, there is no single waltzstep used in this dance.Performing the Polka Bal is the LikhaDance Troup of the III-Science Stream under the MAPEH Classof Mr. Jowell O. Oaña.