Dance Seudati is one of the traditional dances that come from Aceh. The same as the saman dance, the dance is also performed by a group of male dancers with the movement that is typical. Where movement is energetic, uplifting, and accompanied by music and also poetry.
Although both come from Aceh, but the Saman dance and dance Seudati have a difference in the basic movements of the dance. Where the Saman dance performed in a sitting position. While dance Seudati done in a standing position.
Dance Seudati is a typical dance of Aceh which was already famous across Indonesia and even overseas. This dance theme and meaning associated constancy, passion and also the soul of the heroism of a man Aceh.
The early development of the dance, it was just used as a means of spreading the da’wah of Islam in the land of the dagger. This can be evidenced by the presence of poetry in the dance Seudati which tells about the teachings and values of Islam.
In the play, dance Seudati generally done by 8 dancers. Where each dancer is given the term or tenure of unique. Starting from the Shaykh or leadership, Apet or deputy, Apet bath or a member of the expert, Apet sak as a member of the expert, Apet neun as a regular member, Apet wie as ordinary members, Apet wie abeh as ordinary members, and Apet unuen abeh as ordinary members.
The History Of Dance Seudati
Dance Seudati is one of the art of traditional dance that originated from Aceh. The dance developed in the coastal area. Kesenian tari seudati considered as a new form of dance Ratih or Ratoh.Dance Ratih this is a dance that is often performed to start the race continued the chicken.
In addition, this dance is also performed when will welcome the harvest and the arrival of the full moon. Then, after the Religion of Islam entered and is widespread in the region of Aceh, it came to pass mixing or acculturation, and religion. So as to form a dance known as the dance Seudati.
Based on its history, this dance was originally from the Village of Gigieng, Kecamatan Simpang Tiga, Pidie. First dance Seudati initiated by a man named Sheikh Tam. Then the dance began to grow wider in the vicinity of the village. Like the District of Pearls, the Village Didoh, and Pidie. Dance Seudati popularized by the children’s orphanage Sheikh Ali Didoh. After that, the dance spread to the territory of Aceh and North to the entire territory of Aceh.
The Origin Of The Name Of The Dance Seudati
There are many opinions about the origin of the word Seudati used to refer to the dance. The first opinion says that the word Seudati derived from Arabic, which means syahadati or grants. The shahada is a form or sentence recognition of the oneness of Allah SWT. And admit that the Prophet Muhammad is a messenger or a prophet who was sent by Allah SWT.
However, there is also another assumption related to the origin of the name of the dance Seudati, which is considered to be derived from the Language of Aceh itself. The word is derived from “seurasi” which means that the meaning of a harmonious and compact. When associated with the movements in this dance, then there will be a relation to the name as well as the choreography.
The origin of the name of this dance can also be associated with the Language of the Congregation. Where the word is derived from “ya sadati” which means o master teacher. It can be associated with the history of this dance is itself derived from the community of the congregation, which was initiated by Sheikh Tariqa Saman. The theory is also supported by the presence of the other name of the dance seudati that musamman derived from the Language of Aceh.
The Function Of Dance Seudati
In addition to being used as a means to spread the Religion of Islam, the dance is also used to entertain the public and also other things. Here are some of the functions of dance Seudati for the People of Aceh.
1. Evoke The Spirit Of
According to the category, kinds of dance, dance Seudati belong to the category of the type of dance Tribal War Dance or war dance. It is based on the poem or the lyrics of the song that is filled with the words and sentences that evoke the spirit of. Even during the Dutch colonial period, tari Seudati prohibited to be staged.
The lyric in the song dance Seudati able to arouse the spirit of the youth and inspire the action of revolt against the Dutch colonists. Then, after Indonesia declared independence, this dance was allowed to be staged.
2. Teach The Value Of Life
In addition to being used as a plant spirit, dance Seudati also contains a philosophy or the meaning of life. In the poetry of the dance, sometimes the pasted a story about a matter of life and everyday social life. So that could be a solution for the problems faced by the community.
3. A means of Propaganda and the Spread of Islam
In the temple of the lyrics of the song is, there are also lyrics that discusses the teachings of Islam. Therefore, tari Seudati also be a medium for the spread as well as Islamic education. People are comforted by the movements of the dance can also get Religious lessons at once.
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