Indonesia has achieved an award in the world’s dance festival as “The Best Performance” when performing the Saman dance from Aceh at “The International Folk Festival” in 2013 in Greece. It was then that the dancers amazed the audience, while at the same time opening the minds of foreign audiences that Indonesia had a very beautiful traditional dance. Of the dozens of Indonesian traditional dances, which one is the most famous? Here are 15 of Indonesia’s most famous traditional dances.
1. Saman Dance (Aceh)
Saman dance is commonly used for crucial events during a certain ceremony such as celebrating the Prophet Muhammad birthday. This Saman dance was achieved an award in 2013 during the International Folk Festival.
2. Tor-Tor Dance (North Sumatra)
Tor-Tor dance is performed in traditional and welcoming events as well as to honor the Creator and the ancestors. This dance is so unique played by both men and women.
3. Plate Dance (West Sumatra)
Initially, as a traditional dance to give offerings or thanksgiving to the Gods during the harvest season. The dancers hold two plates on the hand while dancing without falling them down.
4. Betel Sirih Dance (Jambi)
This dance is used to welcome guests from situs judi online and is danced by women. This dance also looks so attractive because it has a typical movement with slow music.
5. Cokek Dance (Banten)
The Cokek dance movement is influenced by Chinese elements and is commonly used as an accompaniment for performing arts.
6. Yapong Dance (Jakarta)
Yapong dance movements are very varied and adapted to the event. This dance is also commonly used as dance accompaniment.
7. Jaipong Dance (West Java)
Jaipong dance is always used at every event. This dance shows beauty and tenderness. The dancers look so elegant and beautiful in the traditional west java dress.
8. Serimpi Dance (Central Java)
This dance is synonymous with graceful, slow movements like a classical dance. This dance can really amaze every audience who enjoys it.
9. Bedhaya Dance ( Yogyakarta)
It is a dance of greatness and is only displayed during ceremonies to raise the king’s throne. But, today everybody can enjoy this dance when they visit Yogyakarta.
10. Reog Ponorogo Dance (East Java)
This dance has a mystical knowledge which is played by warok and gemblak figures. The dancers wear scary masks white dancing by traditional music.
11. Balinese Dance (Bali)
Balinese dance is very popular among tourists who visit Bali. This dance is performed by several local dancers while showing unique expression. This dance has an abstract movement that can make people feel amazed.
12. Maengket Dance (North Sulawesi)
This dance symbolizes thanksgiving during the abundant rice harvest.
13. Cakalele Dance (Maluku)
It is a kind of war dance performed by men while female dancers are only as supporting dancers.
14. Musyoh Dance (Papua)
It’s a sacred dance to chase away the spirits of the deceased.
15. Suanggi Dance (West Papua)
This dance tells the story of a husband left by his wife who is a victim of spirits.