Indonesia has a diversity of cultures such as customs, tribes and cultures. On the island of Java, there is a traditional dance with a characteristic in which a group of people dances with the help of horse properties. This dance is known as the lumping horse dance (Kuda Lumping).
Just like dance in general, this dance has important functions in it. As a depiction of good and bad human character in the field of education. Shows the existence of occult knowledge. Good form of cooperation in the social field. In addition, it is also a medium of entertainment for many people.
Lumping horse dance is usually performed at various general to special events. Welcoming important figures, celebrating major holidays, thanksgiving, weddings and other events. The important elements of the dance are as follows.
Number of Lumping Horse Dancers
This dance show usually involves ± 35 people. 20 dancers, 10 instrument drummers, 4 general assistants, and 1 performance coordinator. The performance coordinator is in charge of lining up the show from beginning to end.
Clothing and Properties in Lumping Horse Dance
The clothes used by dancers consist of a shirt or t-shirt, trousers above the ankles, a vest, a decorative belt, and a dress. Head accessories in the form of headgear, headband, and dark glasses. The property usually uses 3 angklung, 3 bendhe (gong), kepyak setangkep, and a drum.
Lumping Horse Dance Round
Kuda Lumping consists of 4 rounds, namely the Buto Lawas dance 2 times, the Senterewe dance once, and the Begon Putri dance also once. The dancer is depicted as a soldier who is about to fight using special properties such as a horse and a toy sword. The figures of Penthul and Bancak are present as comedians who will later entertain soldiers who are resting.
Buto Lawas Dance on Kuda Lumping Dance
Buto Lawas is usually only performed by male dancers as many as 4 – 6 people. Dancers ride horse props and move to the music. This condition often causes dancers to be possessed by spirits or possessions. Thickness with mystical things is one of the characteristics of this dance.
Apart from dancers, residents who were watching were often possessed and even danced. In a state of unconsciousness, they continued to dance in a compact and energetic manner. The waroks who have supernatural powers (dressed in black with red stripes and thick mustaches) will restore their consciousness.
Senterewe Dance on Lumping Horse Dance
After the Buto Lawas round, male and female dancers will join in performing the Senterewe dance. This is where the two types of dancers interact. Female dancers began to dance with movements that were so energetic that they got out of control.
The male dancer then gives the dancer shards of glass to eat without scratching his mouth at all. After that, female dancers will also be whipped without feeling pain. However, it only made him even more excited.
Begon Putri Dance on Lumping Horse Dance
The last stage of this dance is the Begon Putri dance. This dance is performed by 6 female dancers. The movements displayed are movements that are more relaxed (graceful) as the closing of all the activities of this dance. When the dance ends, all the dancers are back in a conscious state.
So, those are the 6 important elements in the lumping horse dance. Hundreds of dancers have performed performances at the Merdeka Palace Building, Jakarta. This was a treat for guests while attending the 74th Independence Day commemoration.
Over time, the lumping horse dance has developed in various regions and is divided into several types. Jooting Thek Ponorogo, Jooting Kediri, Jooting Sentherewe, Jooting Buto, Jaran Sang Hyan, the Japanese horse dance, and others. Hopefully more and more people will preserve dance as a cultural heritage.
