Dance in Indonesia

Dance in Indonesia, known in Indonesian as Tarian Indonesia, shows the rich variety of the country's many ethnicities and cultures. With over 600 ethnic groups, Indonesia has a huge range of dance styles. These dances have roots in ancient Austronesian and Melanesian traditions, mixed with influences from nearby Asian cultures and even western styles brought during times of colonization. Each group has its own special dances, and there are more than 3,000 different traditional dance forms in Indonesia.

These dances are carefully taught and kept alive in many dance schools. These schools are found not just in royal courts but also in 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 main time periods: the ancient tribal times, the time of Hindu-Buddhist influence, and the time of Islam. Dances can also be split into two groups based on who they are for—court dances and folk dances. In terms of tradition, they are separated into traditional dances and contemporary dance.

Two special dances have been recognized worldwide. On 19 November 2011, UNESCO named the traditional Saman dance from Aceh province as a world Intangible Cultural Heritage. This dance is known for its fast moves and the beautiful 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 meeting the outside world, people in Indonesia had already created their own dance styles. These styles are still kept alive by groups who live far from cities, such as the Batak, Nias, Mentawai, Dayak, Punan, Iban, Baduy, Toraja, Minahasa, Dani, and Amungme. Many believe that Indonesian dances began as part of rituals and worship. These dances often copied actions from war, nature, or magic, like the war dances, dances by witch doctors, and dances for rain or harvest, such as the Hudoq dance. Some dances, like the Tor-Tor dance, have repeating moves. Dances also helped people feel calm or connect with spirits. Some dances, like Tari Sanghyang Dedari in Bali, use young dancers who seem to enter a special state to chase away bad spirits. Other dances, such as kuda lumping and keris dance, also use this special state.

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, from holy dances in Balinese temples to dances that tell stories or welcome guests.

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 created new dance styles inspired by old Javanese dances.

Patrons

The court dances

The dances of Indonesia show the country's rich and long history. Many royal homes, called istanas and keratons, still exist in parts of Indonesia and help protect cultural traditions. One big difference between royal dances and common dances is seen in Javanese dance. In Java, the social classes influenced the culture. The upper class focused on refinement and deep meaning, while common people enjoyed dances more for fun and social reasons. Because of this, royal dances often have strict rules passed down through generations, while folk dances are more free and open to new ideas.

Royal families have long supported arts and culture. For example, leaders in the Yogyakarta Sultanate, Surakarta, Pakualaman, and Mangkunegaran created beautiful Javanese court dances with gamelan music. Schools like the Suryo Sumirat dance school in Mangkunegaran welcome everyone to learn these royal dances. This helps keep old traditions alive and teaches new dancers.

The folk dances

Folk dances in Indonesia grew from the everyday lives of common people in villages and cities, unlike royal dances supported by palaces. These dances usually have fewer strict rules but still keep certain movements and styles. Folk dances focus more on having fun and bringing people together than on rituals.

Examples of popular folk dances include the Javanese Ronggeng and the Sundanese Jaipongan. These dances are mainly for enjoyment and may seem less proper than royal dances to some. Yet, they remain loved by many people in Indonesia today. Some folk dances, like the Poco-poco from Minahasa in North Sulawesi and the Sajojo from Papua, have been adapted into group dances with simple steps that many can learn and enjoy.

Traditions

Traditional dance in Indonesia shows the rich variety of its people. Dances from places like Bandung, Jakarta, Denpasar, Yogyakarta, and Surakarta have been part of life for a very long time. Some dances are very old, while others are brand new. Artists in Indonesia keep creating fresh 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 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 influences from nearby Asian countries and from Western styles brought during times of colonization.