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Gambyong () is a traditional Javanese dance originating from
The Serat Centini, a Javanese book written during the reigns of
The characteristics of the Gambyong dance include:
* The clothes used are shades of yellow and green as a symbol of prosperity and fertility.
* Before the dance begins, it is always opened with a ''gendhing Pangkur''.
* Movement techniques, dance accompaniment rhythms and (Indonesian drum) patterns are able to display the dance characters that are flexible.
Gambyong dance movement consists of three parts, namely the beginning (), content (), and end (). The uniqueness of the Gambyong dance is in the movement that focuses on the legs, arms, body, and also the head. The movement accompanies or follows every hand movement by looking at the direction of the fingers. Every movement even goes hand in hand with the music that is sung.
The opening dance is also accompanied by ''Gendhing Pangkur''. Then this rhythm makes the movement techniques performed by the dancers with flexibility. Usually, the dancers of the Gambyong Dance are equipped with a bun. Even so, their appearance is still elegant and shows a graceful expression.
Surakarta, Central Java
Surakarta (Javanese script, Javanese: , Pegon script, Pegon: ), known colloquially as Solo (Javanese script, Javanese: ; ), is a major List of regencies and cities of Indonesia, city in Central Java, Indonesia. The city adjoins Karanganyar Reg ...
, Indonesia. It has existed since ancient times, and began to be displayed at the Mangkunegara
The Principality of Mangkunegaran () was a small Javanese princely state located within the region of Surakarta in Indonesia.
It was established in 1757 by Raden Mas Said, when he submitted his army to Pakubuwono III in February, and swore a ...
n Palace in the era of 1916 to 1944. Gambyong became famous for its smooth and graceful dance moves that amazed the audience who watch them.
History
The Serat Centini, a Javanese book written during the reigns of Pakubuwana IV
Pakubuwono IV (also transliterated Pakubuwana IV) (31 August 1768 – 1 October 1820) was the fourth Susuhunan (ruler of Surakarta
Surakarta (Javanese script, Javanese: , Pegon script, Pegon: ), known colloquially as Solo (Javanese script ...
(1788-1820) and Pakubuwana V (1820-1823), mentioned the existence of gambyong as a tledhek dance. At that time, one of the dance stylists in the reign of Pakubuwana IX (1861-1893) named K.R.M.T. Wreksadiningrat worked on this folk dance so that it was appropriate to be performed among the nobles or aristocrats.
This refined folk dance became popular and was usually performed in front of guests at the Mangkunegaran Palace.
An important change in Gambyong Dance occurred when in 1950, Nyi Bei Mintoraras, a dance trainer from the Mangkunegaran Palace during the Mangkunegara VIII period, created a "standardized" version of gambyong, known as ''Gambyong Pareanom''.
This choreography was first performed at the wedding ceremony of Gusti Nurul, Mangkunegara VIII's sister, in 1951. This dance was liked by the public, so that further variations were developed for public consumption.
Meaning
The meaning of Gambyong is likened to a rice goddess () who is dancing. Therefore, in the past this dance was performed during agricultural ritual ceremonies to ensure rice fertility and an abundant harvest. In its development, Gambyong dance has been appointed as an entertainment to enliven the wedding reception, to welcome guests of honor or state.Form and movement
The characteristics of the Gambyong dance include:
* The clothes used are shades of yellow and green as a symbol of prosperity and fertility.
* Before the dance begins, it is always opened with a ''gendhing Pangkur''.
* Movement techniques, dance accompaniment rhythms and (Indonesian drum) patterns are able to display the dance characters that are flexible.
Gambyong dance movement consists of three parts, namely the beginning (), content (), and end (). The uniqueness of the Gambyong dance is in the movement that focuses on the legs, arms, body, and also the head. The movement accompanies or follows every hand movement by looking at the direction of the fingers. Every movement even goes hand in hand with the music that is sung.
The opening dance is also accompanied by ''Gendhing Pangkur''. Then this rhythm makes the movement techniques performed by the dancers with flexibility. Usually, the dancers of the Gambyong Dance are equipped with a bun. Even so, their appearance is still elegant and shows a graceful expression.
See also
*Bedhaya
The bedhaya (also written as bedoyo, beḍaya and various other transliterations) () is a sacred, ritualised Javanese dance of Java, Indonesia, associated with the royal palaces of Yogyakarta and Surakarta. Along with the srimpi, the bedhaya ep ...
* Lengger
* Javanese dance
Javanese dance (; ) is the dances and art forms that were created and influenced by Javanese culture in Indonesia. Javanese dance movement is controlled, deliberate, and refined. Javanese art often displays finesse, and, at the same time, a ser ...
* Dance in Indonesia
Dance in Indonesia () reflects the country's diversity of Ethnic groups in Indonesia, ethnicities and Culture of Indonesia, cultures. There are more than 600 ethnic groups in Indonesia. Austronesian people, Austronesian roots and Melanesian t ...
References
{{Dance of Indonesia Dances of Indonesia Dances of Java Javanese culture