Dances of Indonesia- Get Enthralled by the Mesmerising Indonesian Dances

Indonesia has inherited a very rich culture with dance being an integral part of it. According to the Indonesians, ‘dance is the celebration of the body and freedom’ and they truly believe in it. It is a powerful mode of expression incorporating drama and soulful music. It originally began amongst the indigenous population. The popular dance forms are not just well known in the country but known worldwide. There is a lot of diversity and multiplicity in their performances. The significance of the dances of Indonesia varies from one another. Some are a matter of celebration while some are mandatory rituals.   

History of the Dances of Indonesia

Stemmed from the soil of Pasundan, Merak is a beautiful form of dance in Indonesia. It is a greeting act at the beginning of wedding ceremonies. The dance embodies the attraction of female peacocks by the male.

For this dance, women dress in an intricate peacock designed costumes. This dance form symbolizes the movements of the magnificent bird. It is full of grace and finesse. The women dance effortlessly to melodious tunes and enchant the audience with their poise.

8. Cakalele, Ternate - The War Dance

Celebrating the valor of the Malaku stalwarts, Cakalele is a dance form standing apart from the others. It is meant to enrage the spirit of war among the people and is performed by male dancers with the support of a few female performers. Cakalele embodies the customs of the Malaku tribe, representing their bravery.

Originally a war dance, it is now used to attract tourists and promote the tourism of Indonesia. They are staged as acts of entertainment or traditional celebrations. It is also used for the appreciation of the Malaku ancestors. This is one of the dances of Indonesia that has worldwide recognition.

9. Roro Anteng and Joko Seger Dance, Tengger - A Tribute to the Legends

Indonesia is rich in traditional and legendary dance forms, Roro Anteng and Joko Seger being one of them. It celebrates the tales of the legends Roro Ateng and Joko Seger and the origins of Yadnya Kasada.

This dance form is very similar to Balinese dance forms which involve slow-paced dance moves with great refinement. The dance immortalizes two legends, thus it is practised keeping in mind the age-old traditions.

A lot of care is ensured while performance as superstition says that slight refashioning could result in enraging God Hyang Widhi. The costumes are also blessed by the local shaman before the performance. About thirty to thirty-five dancers dance to melodious chantings. The dance form always ends up being a masterpiece act.

Indonesian Dance Festival

Almost every year, Indonesia holds an Indonesian Dance festival where not just in-house dancers but dancers from different countries of the world like Mexico, France, India, Germany, Australia, Singapore, and South Korea get together and show active participation with great enthusiasm. The 14th Indonesian Dance Festival was held on November 3rd, 2018. The next one is soon to arrive. So you must seize the opportunity and experience the most magnificent dances of Indonesia and around the world.

These dance forms are highly impressive. With graceful movements, varied dance techniques, tales behind the dance forms, costumes, masks and expressions, you are sure to get attracted their dances. Indonesia is housed with some of the most charming and ravishing dance forms. One can surely take home some inspiration from these dances of Indonesia. Each dance act is an unforgettable experience and it will leave a lasting impression in your mind.