Traditional sundanese dance

Sundanese is the second largest ethnic group in Indonesia after the Java tribe. Sundanese tribes are spread throughout every Indonesia archipelago and thus plays an important role in the development of Indonesia. 

The practices of syncretism and mysticism are still being embraced in this culture: basically, all the life of the Sundanese is aimed at maintaining the balance of the universe.

Magical balance is maintained also with traditional ceremonies, while the social balance is maintained by mutual giving. The interesting thing about Sundanese beliefs is the influence of lutean Kutungung, one of their cultural figures, who believes in the existence of a Single God (Guriang Tunggal) who puts a small part of Himself into the world to preserve human life.

As every old culture, Sundanese as his own traditions: one of them is the traditional dance which is a part of the ritual, artistic expression as well as entertainment and social conduct. Sundanese dance is usually cheerful, dynamic and expressive, with flowing movements.

Among Sundanese dances perhaps Jaipongan is the most popular style and form which could be performed solo by a female dancer or a group of female dancers.

Jaipongan Dance from Land of Sunda (Priangan) is known to have a unique and interesting cultural variety. Actually, it’s considered as a modern dance because of being a development of traditional Sundanese dance named Tap Tilu. Tari Jaipong is performed with a distinctive musical accompaniment, namely Degung.

This music is a collection of various musical instruments such as Kendang, Go’ong, Saron, Kacapi, etc. Degung can be likened to ‘Orchestra’ in European.

In 1961, Indonesian President Sukarno prohibited rock and roll and other western genres of music, due to the fact that western ideas, themes, and values began to infiltrate the area and he challenged Indonesian musicians to revive the indigenous arts. When Gugum Gumbira heard it he decided to create a genre of music that would revive the musical interests of the past and added sexual undertones and a sense of elegance in order to bring it into the future. The name jaipongan came from people mimicking of 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.  Jaipongan debuted in 1974 when Gugum Gumbira and his gamelan and dancers first performed in public.

In our University, you can find one of the best traditional and modern dance club of Sukabumi. So, what are you waiting for?

Come to join us in LST Nusputra and you will never regret it!

 

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