DANCES OF JAVA
TARI MERAK // PEACOCK DANCE
Region - West Java (Sunda)
The Tari Merak or Dance of the Peacock is a female dance. The choreography is inspired by the beautiful movements of a peacock. The gestures of a peacock are beautifully blended together with the classical movements of the Sundanese dance and thus making the dance a colorful expression of the proud peacock showing its beautiful feathers. The Tari Merak symbolizes the beauty of nature and its creatures and intends to draw our attention to it and to convince us to dedicate our work to this world.
Choreographer: Raden Tjetjep Somantri
TARI TOPENG BLANTEK // MASK DANCE
Region - Jakarta
Topeng is Indonesian for “mask.” Tari Topeng Blantek is a dramatic dance in which the various masks depict the multiple personalities the dancer can take on. This dance originates from the Betawi people from Jakarta.
Choreographer: NN
TARI BAJIDOR KAHOT
Region - West Java
Bajidor Kahot is a dance from West Java which combines the dance movements of Ketuk Tilu and Jaipongan as the basis of its motions. In the dance, hips, arms, shoulders, head, and hands move dynamically. Often the dancers are also moving in formation of interest. Bajidor Kahot dance was created around the year 2000. In addition, the Balinese gamelan music adds to the wealth of music that accompanies the dance. As in jaipongan, Bajidor Kahot is often performed by young women.
Choreographer: NN
TARI JAIPONG BENTANG PANGGUNG
Region - West Java
Tari Jaipong is a common social dance from the Sundanese people of West Java. The name Jaipongan came from people mimicking the sounds created by some of the drums in the ensemble. Audiences were often heard shouting jaipong after specific sections of rhythmic music were played. The movements are based on Pencak Silat movements and for this dance which can translate as the star of the show, the movements are very alluring. Audience members are often encouraged to join in at the end of the dance.
Choreographer: Mang Ndang
TARI LENGGANG NYAI
Region - Jakarta
This traditional dance from Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia, strongly influenced by Chinese culture, a new creation originating from Gambang Kromong folk art. The dance depicts lively young girls celebrating their journey to adulthood. It expresses the happiness and freedom of a woman in making life choices according to her womanhood.
Choreographer: Wiwik Widiastuti
TARI GANJEN
Region - Jakarta
Tari Ganjen Dance is cheerful dance from the capital city of Jakarta that depicts young women competing to be the best.This dance represents self-independence and “Ganjen” means flirty and lively.
Choreographer: Ntong Sukirman
TARI YAPONG
Region - Jakarta
Tari Yapong is a Betawi Dance from Jakarta. It is performed as a welcoming dance to entertain guests in traditional celebrations.
TARI GOLEK SUKARENO
Region - Java
A Dance portraying a young girl growing into womanhood. The basic position and technique resemble bedhaya and serimpi, but the descriptive movements depict the self-beautifying of a maiden.The name golek refers to wayang golek puppetry, and this genre has its parallel in the wayang golek repertoire, while the dance style reflects the movements of the dwooden wayang golek puppets. The golek has traditionally been performed at festive receptions
Choreographer: NN