Legong Dance, an Enchanting Artistic Dance Movement

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Legong dance from the Balinese word “leg” means a dance movement that is flexible, supple, and graceful. Then, the word “gong” takes from the elements of the traditional gamelan musical instrument. So, Legong Dance can be interpreted as a dance whose movements have an attachment to the accompanying music, namely gamelan.

This dance performance is performed by a group of female dancers of two or more people. The two main dancers who dance are called Legong, while the additional dancer is called Condong. The dancer who brings it must be in a pure state and have not experienced a menstrual cycle.

This dance contains elements of the diversity value and cultural history of Bali. His movement is an expression of gratitude and gratitude for the Balinese people to their ancestors for their abundant blessings for their descendants. However, with the times, this is not limited because it has undergone a transformation into an entertainment and welcoming dance that attracts tourists.

It is known as a dance of the nobility because it is only popular in the palace / palace environment. However, some dance experts and enthusiasts have developed it so that it can be danced by common women. The step is by changing, adding and subtracting some dance movements and not wearing masks anymore. So, the dance that is enjoyed now is different from the dance in the beginning.

Types and Properties of Legong Dance

There are 18 types of Legong Dance besides the Legong Lasem Dance (Legong Kraton) as the oldest dance. In addition, there is a type of Legong Jobog that tells the story of Subali-Sugriwa becoming a monkey while fighting over an magic talisman. Legong Legod Bawa tells the story of the competition between Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma to find Lord Shiva’s phallus.

There are also Legong Playon, Legong Smaradahana, Legong Sudarsana, Legong Andir / Nandir, Legong Kuntul, Legong Untung Surapati, and Legong Mintaraga. This dance is so distinctive with the dancer’s hand movements, body bending curves, and sharp glances. Accompanied by the accompaniment of gamelan music that plays melodiously, making each dance move look artistic and enchanting.

The dance will be more aesthetically valuable by adding to the property. This dance is supported by other properties, besides the fan as the main property. Its supporting properties include the gelungan (a headdress called sambeh bintang, made from janur.ron decorated with plendo and croton leaves). The hand fan is bright and shiny, and the center is long and pointed at the ends.

Udeng enters the dance property in the form of a back triangular headband. Kembang goyang attached near the long crown to the top consists of white flowers. Golden crown with dangling decorations on the right and left. Badong has a necklace that covers the neck to the chest and is made of animal skin. Balinese bracelet made of silver, weighs 25 mg.

Basic Movement of Legong Dance

Legong dance has several elements of movement that lead to the same basis, namely the Gambuh dance. The basics of dance movements are divided into 3 types according to Lontar Panititaling Pagambuhan, namely Agem, Tandang, and Tangkep. The following is an explanation of the basic movements of the Legong Dance.

Agem

The basic dance movement that depends on the dancer in portraying the various characters played is called Agem. Dancers are required to be able and able to play various characters in the story being played.

Tandang

Tandang is part of the Legong Dance in the form of a way of walking and moving the dancer. The dancers will walk and move in accordance with the gambuh accompaniment. Away includes, ngelikas or walking cross, nyeleog, nyelendro, nyeregseg or shifting fast, away nayog (walking), away niltil, nyamung, and agem nyamir.

Tangkep

The basic expression movement combined with the supporting movement is called tangkep. Includes, eye movements, neck, fingers, and movements when using the fan. Eye movements (dedeling and sweet ceregu). Movement of the neck (gulu wangsul, ngurat leaf, ngilen, ngeliyet, and ngotak shoulder. Movement of the fingers (squeal, passionate, and nredeh). Then, move away, agitate, and ngaliput when using the fan.

Dance as a heritage of valuable cultural diversity must be preserved. As is the case with Legong Dance as part of traditional / classical dance originating from Bali. Knowing and understanding about dance will increase love for cultural arts. May be useful.

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