According to the dance scholar, Minerva S. Sani, the Kasingkil or royal Maranao Fan Dance is said to have been brought from northern Malaya, by way of India, and evolved into its local forms. The original Indo-Malayan Kasingkil is thought to be the source of the contemporary Singkil of the southern provinces. It is a spectacle of pageantry and artistry traditionally performed by a noble girl among the Maranaos. The dancer wields her fans expertly as she weaves in and out of four crisscrossing bamboo poles. The Singkil, alluding to the metallic anklets which make tinkling sounds worn by the people of Mindanao, is performed during celebrations such as weddings, or other festive occasions. Some have small bells attached to the ankle, also used to keep time and rhythm of the dance. The key is for the performer to step skilfully and gracefully in and out of the clashing bamboo poles. Usually she carries a fan or a pair of fans with which she artfully creating gestures. Originally, these gestures were done by hands and fingers, like the “Pangalay style”, or with colourful silk handkerchiefs. Sinkil, a Moslem bamboo dance is one of the most popularly performed dances here and abroad. Danced for royalties and their attendants, it tells the story of Gandigan, who while walking in the forest is caught in an earthquake caused by the “Diwatas” or Fairies. Amidst shaking trees and falling rocks she manages to avoid stepping on these by skipping nimbly from one place to another. Singkil is found in the repertoire of all Filipino Dance Troupes. There are many interpretation of this dance. In 1958, the “Bayanihan” started with a simple and has since developed into a theatrical and stylized spectacle to the point of it becoming a signature piece for the dance company.