Dance in Indonesia

Dance in Indonesia

Dance in Indonesia, called Tarian Indonesia, shows the many ethnicities and cultures of the country. Indonesia has over 600 ethnic groups, so there are many dance styles. These dances come from old Austronesian and Melanesian traditions, with ideas from nearby Asian cultures and western styles from times of colonization. Each group has its own special dances, and there are more than 3,000 different traditional dances in Indonesia.

These dances are taught in many dance schools. These schools are in royal courts and modern art academies run by the government. Dances in Indonesia can be grouped in different ways. They can be looked at through history, dividing them into three time periods: ancient tribal times, the time of Hindu-Buddhist influence, and the time of Islam. Dances can also be split into two groups: court dances and folk dances. In terms of tradition, they are separated into traditional dances and contemporary dance.

Two special dances are known around the world. On 19 November 2011, UNESCO named the traditional Saman dance from Aceh province as a world Intangible Cultural Heritage. This dance is famous for its fast moves and the great teamwork of the dancers. Later, on 2 December 2015, UNESCO also honored three traditional Balinese dances from Bali province as world Intangible Cultural Heritage. These dances are an important part of Indonesia's cultural legacy.

Historical eras

The Prehistoric Tribal Era

Before Indonesia met the outside world, people there made their own dance styles. These styles are still done by groups far from cities, such as the Batak, Nias, Mentawai, Dayak, Punan, Iban, Baduy, Toraja, Minahasa, Dani, and Amungme. Many think Indonesian dances started as part of rituals and worship. These dances often copied actions from war, nature, or magic, like the war dances and dances by witch doctors. Dances also helped people feel calm or connect with spirits.

The Hindu-Buddhist Era

When Hinduism and Buddhism arrived in Indonesia, stories from old Indian poems like Ramayana and Mahabharata became popular. These stories were shown through dance-drama, called sendratari, such as the Ramayana Ballet in Java and Bali. Dances in Java and Bali became very fancy and are still performed today. In Java, dances are slow and gentle, like the sacred Bedhaya dance. In Bali, dances are more lively and full of feeling. Bali has many special dances for different occasions.

The Islamic Era

When Islam came to Indonesia, old dance styles changed but stayed popular. Stories and clothes became more modest. New dance styles also appeared, like Zapin dances of the Malay people and Acehnese Tari Saman, mixing styles from Arabia and Persia with local traditions. New music instruments like rebana, tambur, and gendang drums were used.

Contemporary dances

One well-known modern dancer from Indonesia is Bagong Kussudiardja, who made new dance styles inspired by old Javanese dances.

Patrons

The court dances

The dances of Indonesia show the country's rich history. Many royal homes, called istanas and keratons, still exist and help protect traditions. In Java, dances differ between social classes. The upper class focused on refinement, while common people enjoyed dances more for fun. Royal dances have strict rules passed down, while folk dances are more free.

Royal families have supported arts and culture for a long time. Leaders in the Yogyakarta Sultanate, Surakarta, Pakualaman, and Mangkunegaran created beautiful Javanese court dances with gamelan music. Schools like the Suryo Sumirat dance school welcome everyone to learn these dances. This helps keep traditions alive.

The folk dances

Folk dances in Indonesia grew from the lives of common people in villages and cities. These dances have fewer strict rules but keep certain movements. Folk dances focus on fun and bringing people together.

Examples of popular folk dances include the Javanese Ronggeng and the Sundanese Jaipongan. These dances are mainly for enjoyment. Some folk dances, like the Poco-poco from Minahasa in North Sulawesi and the Sajojo from Papua, have been adapted into group dances that many can learn and enjoy.

Traditions

Traditional dance in Indonesia shows the many different people who live there. Dances from places like Bandung, Jakarta, Denpasar, Yogyakarta, and Surakarta have been part of life for a long time. Some dances are very old, and some are brand new. Artists in Indonesia keep making new dance styles while still respecting old traditions.

Contemporary dance in Indonesia mixes ideas from other countries, like ballet and modern dance. In 1954, two dancers from Yogyakarta went to the United States to learn these new styles. When they came back in 1959, they brought back new ways of dancing that focused on personal feelings and creativity. This helped mix old Indonesian dances with new ideas. Dances from Japan, like Noh, and from India, like Bharata Natyam, have also worked together with Indonesian dances. Today, young people in cities are also enjoying dances from pop culture and street dances.

List of dances

Main article: List of Indonesian dances

Indonesia has many different dances because it has many different groups of people. These dances show the rich cultures and traditions of the many ethnic groups living in Indonesia. Over time, dances in Indonesia have been shaped by nearby Asian countries and Western styles.