Rongggeng dance is a traditional art from West Java
Ronggeng dance is a traditional art of West Java and It’s popular among Indonesian people because of its obvious sexual element
But is it true that this dance is very erotic and sexual?
What is Ronggeng?
Ronggeng dance is a dance art from West Java that has been attached to society since ancient times
This dance is also often regarded as a negative form of art and violates social norms because its movements tend to be sensual and seductive.
It is also often associated with things that are mystical and scary,
this dance, which is not only developed in the West Java region, has strong and interesting artistic and cultural values.
The History of Ronggeng
The history of this dance has been going on for hundreds of years
The name of the dance comes from the word Renggana which in Sanskrit means a woman who is adored.
Another source states that it comes from the word Rwang which in Sundanese means space, cavity, or hole which symbolizes the female genitalia.
The history of ronggeng can be traced as far back as the 8th century,
where reliefs of ronggeng dancers were found engraved on the Karmawibhangga section of Borobudur Temple.
Karmawibhangga is a story on a hidden relief on the bottom wall of Borobudur Temple which depicts the causes and effects of good and bad deeds
The Karmawibhangga relief depicts a scene that contains information about the culture of the ancient Javanese people
In West Javanese society, ronggeng is closely related to the story of Dewi Samboja’s revenge for the death of her lover, King Anggalarang.
Since the killing of King Anggalarang, Dewi Samboja started her hunt by disguising herself as a ronggeng entourage
What is the function of the Ronggeng dance?
In the past, dance performances were used as a medium for public entertainment,
but many people thought that this dance was a covert form of prostitution because of its intimate and erotic movements.
but over time, the dance has been displayed on many celebration occasions such as weddings and circumcisions with customized appearances
This dance is also used as a welcome dance to welcome guests.
Apart from being a venue for performances and entertainment, the ronggeng dance contains several meanings and philosophies like the Kecak dance from Bali
Mystical and magical elements
The dance is often associated with something magical, this is because the dancers usually have a prayer of mercy or a special mantra used so that they are liked by the audience.
The spells used by ronggeng to attract the audience’s attention usually use ancient Javanese or ancient Sundanese
so that they are not recognized when they are spoken
Types of Ronggeng Dance
Several types of Ronggeng exist today and still perform in some parts of the area
1.Ronggeng Gunung ( mountain’s Ronggeng )
Of all the existing types, the Ronggeng Gunung dance is one of the oldest.
It grew rapidly and became popular throughout West Java, especially in the southern coastal area of Ciamis and its surroundings.
The name Ronggeng Gunung was obtained because the dancers and accompaniments came from the highlands.
2. Ronggeng Bugis
Make no mistake, Ronggeng Bugis is not from South Sulawesi, but Cirebon, West Java
Even so, the origin of the name is related to the disguise of the Bugis in the Telik Sandi Troop formed by Sunan Gunung Jati to spy on the Pajajaran region.
Unlike the ronggeng concept in general, the Bugis ronggeng combines elements of comedy in the dance.
The dancers consist of men who wear women’s clothing and clown makeup
3. Ronggeng Blantek
This dance is a development of the opening dance in the traditional art performance of the Betawi ( Jakarta ) Mask Blantek,
so this dance is relatively newly created.
4. Ronggeng Deli
It turns out that ronggeng is not only in Java, but ronggeng art is just as popular in Sumatra.
when they perform, the dancers will dance and sing to the accompaniment of typical Malay music.
After that, they will be reciprocated with rhymes which generally contain stories of love, life, and gratitude to God
Ronggeng today
Currently, artists are trying to improve the bad image of ronggeng because of the negative stigma
Several changes were made to adapt the art to the values and norms prevailing in society.
Improvements were made to clothing and movement.
Leave a Reply