Indonesia has given it a very diverse culture with dance being an integral part of it. Indonesians refer to dance as a celebration of body and freedom and they recognize it. Dance is a powerful mode of expression that unites drama and music full of emotions. Indonesian dances initially began among the locals of their respective regions.
HOW TO DOWNLOAD INSTAGRAM VIDEOS WITHOUT ANY APPS
Popular dance forms are not only famous domestically but also in other countries. There are many kinds of unique dance forms that are performed. The significance of Indonesian dance is not the same as one another. Some dances are dedicated to celebrations while some are for obligatory rituals. For some lists, here are some popular dances in Indonesia.
MAKANAN KHAS LEBARAN BUGIS YANG BANYAK DIGEMARI
Plate Dance, Minangkabau
Known as the plate dance, this form of Indonesian dance is about the rigor and elegance in the dance steps along with the plate. This dance comes from the minangkabau natives who describe their culture. It symbolizes a fruitful rice harvest and through the appearance of a perfect Plate they express gratitude to the Gods.
This dance has twenty different dance moves by wearing acrobatics as well. Accompanied by a symphony of talempong and saluang music, about 3-5 dancers perform at a fast tempo, commemorating the spirit of happiness and cohesiveness.
Merak Dance, West Java
Originating in the land of Pasundan, Merak is a beautiful form of Indonesian dance. This is an act of greeting at the beginning of the wedding ceremony. This dance embodies the attraction of the female peacock by its males.
For this dance, the women wore intricately designed costumes of peacocks. This form of dance symbolizes the movements of a magnificent bird. It was full of elegance and subtlety. The women danced easily to the melodious tone and fascinated the audience with their calmness.
Kecak Dance, Bali
Known internationally as the “Ramayana monkey song “, Kecak Dance is a form of Balinese Hindu Indonesian dance and musical theater performed mainly by men in temples and villages throughout Bali.
Developed in the 1930s in Bali, Indonesia, this dance is considered one of the most spectacular traditional performances in Indonesia as it is generally performed by a circle of as many as 150 dancers dressed in clothes plaid around their waists, chanting ‘chak’ in the way of percussion while moving their hands and arms.
The uniqueness of this Indonesian dance is that it does not use an artificial stage and does not involve any musical instruments. It should be done at sunset, in the open air, usually on a cliff overlooking the sea, since the show depends entirely on the natural light of the day it. As the sun sets, the story continues with an orange sky that gets darker from time to time.
The dance depicts a battle from the Ramayana, in which monkey-like warriors known as Vanaras, led by Hanuman, assist Prince Rama in fighting the evil King Ravana.
Reog Dance, Ponorogo, East Java
Representing a dark, mystical and supernatural world, Reog is known both domestically and abroad. This Indonesian dance is performed only on the eve of the full moon to give a dazzling effect. This dance wears boisterous and dangerous costumes and is known to be unique to many viewers. This dance form has a very interesting story behind it.
It was originally told by Ki Ageng Mirah in a violent fight between King Ponorogo and a lion-like creature named Singa Barong. It includes the participation of twenty to thirty players with figures like lions and waroks at the forefront. Their performances are accompanied by gamelan instruments such as taps, kenongs and kempul.
With the diversity of Indonesian dances we have become aware that Indonesia is very rich in its culture. The graceful rhythmic movements of traditional dances represent the harmony and beauty of Indonesia.