Identifying dances in Indonesia is indeed diverse and varied. Almost every region has its own type of dance, including one in Belitung. As an area that is on the rise in tourism potential, it turns out that Belitung also has an attractive dance presentation to watch. So far, Belitung is more popular or known for its beautiful beaches. But if you know more deeply, then the Laskar Pelangi Country has an interesting dance. One of the interesting dances in Belitung that makes you amazed to see it is the Measles Dance. Then what is the Measles Dance that has become a typical Bangka-Belitung culture, especially the Sawang Tribe? The following explanation.
History and Measles Dance History
http://www.belitungisland.com
Measles dance does have its own history. Even from the name alone, Measles Dance has its origins. So according to historical sources, the name of this Measles Dance emerged from someone named Nek Measles. The measles grandmother originally from Riau was the person who brought and introduced the Measles Dance in Belitung. It is estimated that the Grandmother Measles brought this dance through Seliu Island in the 18th century. But in its development, especially when Indonesia was colonized by the Portuguese, the Measles Dance underwent a change. Fortunately the changes do not change all parts. This is because the changes that occur due to acculturation or a mixture of two cultures between Portuguese culture and homeland culture. In the Portuguese colonial era, this dance then experienced cultural acculturation. This cultural mix is very visible from the movements, costumes, and accompanying music that has the impression of a European style. Even so, local culture is also still attached to this dance, this is seen in the costumes of male dancers, rhymes and some accompanying music that presents the Malay style.
Acculturation in Measles Dance
http://www.belitungisland.com
As mentioned that this Measles Dance during the Portuguese occupation experienced acculturation or cultural mixing. From this acculturation, we can witness Portuguese cultures in the Measles Dance. Some forms of acculturation that we can see in Measles Dance are in the accompanying music, costumes and movements used by the dancers. In the musical accompaniment to Measles Dance we can witness several European musical instruments such as accordions or keyboards and violins or piyul. While in the costume we can see this European culture in the costumes of female dancers because of the long dresses, high heels and hats. Meanwhile we can also get an impression of Europe in its movements. Even though we have mixed cultures, we can still find local culture in the Measles Dance. Some local cultures that we can find in the Measles Dance include male dancers' costumes, accompaniment equipment (gongs and drums) and rhymes.
Measles Dance Philosophy and Image
http://www.belitungisland.com
Measles dance is not an ordinary dance without meaning. But this dance has its own values and philosophy. The values and philosophy of the Measles Dance is a depiction of joy in the association of adolescents or single and court ladies in the Bangka Belitung Islands. From these values and philosophies the Measles dance will be performed by young people, both men and women with expressions of joy.
Measles Dance Type
http://www.belitungisland.com
This Measles dance apparently has a type or variant. We can find this especially in Belitung. So in Belitung we can find two types of Measles Dance, namely land measles and sea measles. What's the difference? The difference is the land measles dance is a dance of association and excitement which when presented will present music and singing as well as paired dancers. Whereas the sea measles dance is usually presented as a venue to find a partner and is carried out late into the night.
Measles Dance accompaniment music
In this measles dance accompaniment music we can find several tools used. The musical instruments in the Measles Dance can be grouped into two types namely musical instruments from European cultural acculturation and native musical instruments of local culture. We can see instruments from the acculturation of European culture from the accordion or keyboard and violin or piyul. While the original musical instruments of local culture are in gongs and drums. Although there are two cultures that adorn the musical accompaniment of Measles Dance but when played, these instruments are able to present harmonious and harmonious tones and rhythms by adjusting the movements of the dancers.
Measles Dance Costumes
http://www.belitungisland.com
Not only in the accompanying music we can find a variety of cultures, but in the costumes of the dancers we can also find it. Measles Dance Costumes that we can find western or European culture are the costumes of female dancers. The costumes of the female dancers in the Measles Dance are indeed very thick with European culture. This can be found in the presence of long dresses, hats and also high heels. Meanwhile, for male dancer costumes, we will find local culture, specifically Malay culture. Malay culture on this male Measles dancer costume can be found in trousers, shirts, scarves and cap.
Measles Dance Appearance
When shown Measles Dance will bring dancers young or teenagers both men and women in pairs. The female dancer in the Measles dance is called the measles, while the male dancer is called a dancer. Movement in Measles Dance itself is fairly agile. This is because of its philosophy, Measles Dance depicts the cheerfulness of young teens. So with an expression of joy and joy, the male and female dancers will all move swiftly and gracefully to the accompaniment of accompaniment music. The agility and grace of the Measles Dance dancers will be seen one of them from the movement of a handkerchief wagging by wagging it to accompany the fingers. And in the midst of the Measles dance, the dancers will return the pantun as a symbol and characteristic of Malay culture.
Excitement with the Audience
And so that in the Measles dance is more lively then usually the dancers in certain parts, will invite the audience to participate in dancing. Not infrequently the Measles dancers also invite their audience to reply to the pantun together. Interestingly, when the audience is invited to dance and reciprocate rhymes, not a few of the audience and male dancers or dancers who give some money to Nduk Measles if they lose in reciprocating rhymes.
Measles Dance Performance
In the beginning, the Measles Dance was displayed or presented only at certain times, namely during the rice harvest season or after returning from ume (garden). But along with the times, this Measles Dance has expanded its title to important events such as welcoming guests, folk parties, wedding customs and so forth. The expansion of the Measles Dance event is due to a desire to see and the admiration of others for interesting dance movements to watch.
Comments