You’ll need
Setting up
Lay two ropes on the ground side by side, about 40 cm apart. Two players hold the ends of the ropes. The dancer stands beside them.
The story of the game
In tinikling, two people knock two long bamboo poles together on the ground in rhythm, and the dancer pulls their feet out from between them before they close. When we play with children, we use two ropes laid on the ground instead of bamboo: the same rhythm, without the risk.
How to play
- The rhythm has three beats: “Open, open, close”. The rope holders keep the ropes apart for two beats and bring them together on the third.
- The dancer hops between the ropes twice on the “open” beats and steps out on the “close” beat.
- Try it walking first, then hopping. Only pick up the tempo once everyone is ready.
- Take turns being the dancer; holding the ropes is part of the game too.
Variations (2)
- If there’s no one to hold the ropes, fix them to the ground and just hop in and out.
- Two dancers facing each other, holding hands.
For parents
Children miss the beat on their first tries, so don’t actually close the ropes; just bring them closer. The version played with real bamboo is for grown-ups.
What to wear on their feet
Bare feet, or a very light, flexible shoe.
Safety
Don’t use hard poles or bamboo with children; rope or elastic is enough. Always play these games with an adult watching, in a way that suits your child’s age and the surface underfoot. Keep games with small pieces (marbles, five stones, mangala) away from children under 3.
