Legend has it that Singkil originated from the day the diwatas (some form of nymph or fairy) played a joke on Princes Gandingan as she was taking a walk in the woods. The diwatas caused an earthquake that made the trees tremble and the rocks to roll and knock against each other nothing daunted, Princes Gandingan skipped nimbly from place to place and no tree or rock ever touched her tiny feet. There are many versions of Singkil. When performed by ladies of the royalty of Lanao, the dancer is usually accompanied by a waiting lady, who holds a beautifully decorated umbrella over the Princess' head wherever she goes. On the other hand, when the dance is performed by natives, not of royal blood, the dancers, a boy, and a girl have no attendants.