Seeing the development of the times, west Java traditional dance is still preserved even though life is modern. This effort is deliberately done so that the culture that was passed down since long ago never fades. The role of culture for a region or tribe is very important as a form of identity in society.
Not only is it an art, but various types of dance are often performed in important events. The treats of dance performances always invite interest from the community to respect the culture of an area. Starting from government elements, art workers, and the community combine to preserve the art.
The art of dance is often used to convey a story or story of behavior through movement according to rhythm. Gamelan music will accompany as long as dancers perform moves aimed at performing art. Until now, there are still many found in certain regions when traditional events are being held.
However, dance does not always appear at sacred ceremonies only because it can be used as people’s entertainment. In the development of modern times, of course, art can be combined well without fading cultural values. So that you know more about the art, we want to explain in full according to its popularity.
Jaipong from Sunda is still popular today
Seeing the great development of the dance world, it turns out that there are many aspects that need attention. Various types of dancer movements will provide their own uniqueness when in an art performance. Including one of them is art in the form of dance originating from West Java named jaipong.
Jaipong starts from a certain area, which is derived from the Karawang region with certain characteristics. In the area, of course, the type of dance has been widely known to the local community because it is a tradition. Starting from one region only, it has now spread throughout the province of West Java.
The uniqueness of this art is in the costumes worn by dancers while on stage. Accessories on the head in the form of a bun decorated with flowers and clothes with bright colors. Not to be left behind is also related to a shawl to be attached to the dancer’s neck when performing his art movements.
The image of the West Java dance is also accompanied by music with a fast and firm tempo. Therefore, the movement of dancers must also be agile to follow the rhythm and rhythm of their musical instruments. There is a special meaning to be deliberately conveyed through jaipong with the intention of unyielding Sundanese women.
In addition to showing an unyielding message, it turns out that there is also the intention behind the movements of jaipong dancers. This is related to the presence of a beautiful body and level so that it shows graceful nature. In other words, a woman can definitely be herself thanks to self-confidence.
Ronggeng Bugis Must Be Preserved by the Community
Discussing the matter of several dance names, of course, refers to several types at once when entering sunda land. There are many traditional West Java dances that can be known by people from outside the region. You can discuss about the existence of one type from the Cirebon area with its characteristics.
This type of art refers to the name ronggeng bugis which has the meaning of Makassar literally. The name comes from the existence of bugis troops after being able to provide assistance and settle the Cirebon region. Starting from the story, there began to be a community and a combination of cultures between the two.
Because of the fusion of culture to the arts, the result is also quite unique as a spectacle worth the tradition. Uniqueness lies in the dancers who all come from among men with thick make-up. For the appearance of striking natural makeup like this is also intended to be a special attraction.
In this West Java dance, the dancer’s costume also uses a complete light-colored kebaya. The bun is also positioned like a woman with a number of dancers of about four or more people. The main purpose of the story and story brought through the movement is to bring the sensation of comedy.
All movements and choreography are done attractively even in a complete kebaya costume according to the music. One of the other uniqueness of ronggeng bugis is the freedom of dancers to create funny improvisations. Knowing this, then at least you can distinguish the type of dance when in the region.
Tap Tilu Often Performed In Sacred Ceremonies
The discussion continues on a unique model of dance art originating from West Java is tap tilu. To find out the difference on a basic basis, this dance model is often held at certain sacred events. Because it is considered sacred, spiritual ceremonies are very identical to present dance movements as performances.
Not many people understand about the differences in various uniqueness in the type of tap tilu. Usually, the dance model will be held when welcoming the rice harvest period by the community. The kingdom and the owner of the rice field will often hold the art performance as well as become people’s entertainment.
The tap dance is accompanied by the main musical instrument in the form of a rebab which is a classic traditional instrument. This musical instrument was commonly found in royal times to give musical accompaniment to dance. The dancer will follow the movement according to the sound and tempo on the music so that the results are integrated.
West Java dances use unique costumes with complete kebaya but more likely dark colors. Dancers are performed by women in accordance with the provisions of the creator of the dance art in detail. However, there are pairs of male dancers who also use headbands and leather belts.
During the performance, you can enjoy the performance with the music of the gamelan as long as the dance begins. Until now, there are still many types of dance found in various performance venues according to the event. So, it is not surprising if until at any time tap is still safe as a tradition of ancestral relics.
Cirebon Mask Is Very Flexible to Tell Stories
Trying to understand about various arts owned by a region does need to be done by the community. All kinds of traditions must still be passed down to the next generation so as not to disappear from civilization. Therefore, art should be able to have an attraction for the needs of entertainment performances to the community.
Dance from West Java to be discussed in detail is a Cirebon mask which uses characters. The mask has a different natural shape for each model so that each audience is easier to get to know the character. In addition, mask dance does have 5 different types and names for performances.
The names on the mask include banner mask, samba, patih, rumyang, and kelana with its own character. At first, this dance model was born from street artists and then developed over time. In fact, there are many people who are able to enjoy the art of dance even though it is modern times.
According to the panca wanda mask, later dancers will wear various models depending on the story and story. There are adjustments needed so that the shape of the mask character is more relevant to the story of the dancer. In addition, the music must also be presented according to the storyline so that the movement remains in harmony.
In general, Cirebon mask dance carries a message in the form of all life problems that will be faced by humans. The point is that each dance model will have its own uniqueness depending on the purpose and how to bring the art. That way, there is no doubt that dance from West Java will always be in demand by the public.