Indonesian art and culture is very diverse. In fact, it is not uncommon for this noble heritage to become the identity of the region and the nation. One of them is dance, which is a branch of art in the form of rhythmic body movements as a medium of expression.
Previously, RimbaKita.com had discussed regional dances from all provinces in Indonesia. One of them is Serimpi Dance which we will review more fully.
Serimpi dance is a type of dance originating from Yogyakarta and Surakarta. At first, this classical Javanese dance was a dish and a tradition that was carried out in the environment of the Sultanate of Mataram. Until now, this dance is still developing and still being preserved.
History of Serimpi Dance
Almost all types of dance have a history as a background, as well as Serimpi dance. This dance originated during the Mataram kingdom when Sultan Agung reigned from 1613 to 1646.
Serimpi dance is one of the oldest works of art in Java and is considered sacred and sacred because it is only held in the palace area as part of a ritual. At that time, only selected dancers were allowed to perform this dance.
Then when the Mataram kingdom split in 1755 into the Sultanate of Yogyakarta and the Sultanate of Surakarta, this dance was also affected. The impact is that there are differences in movement between the Jogja and Surakarta serimpi dances, even though both have the same dance core.
This dance is divided into several types, such as Serimpi Dhempel, Serimpi Babul Layar, Serimpi Genjung, Serimpi Padhelori, Serimpi Among Beksa, Serimpi Cina, and Serimpi Pramugari which developed in the Yogyakarta palace.
Then in 1788 to 1820, this dance reappeared in the Surakarta Palace. Even since 1920 until now, this dance has been included in the Taman Siswa Jogja lessons, as well as the Krida Beksa Wirama dance and musical group.
Besides being known as the serimpi dance, originally this dance was also called srimpi sangopati which means a candidate for the successor to the king. Because the word serimpi means woman. However, there is also an opinion from Dr. Priyono stated that “serimpi” comes from the root word “impi” which means dream.
Serimpi Dance Play
In serimpi dance performances, usually depicting the wars of heroes in the stories of Menak, Purwa, Mahabharata, Ramayanan and other Javanese histories. This dance also tells the story of war through the symbols of two camps, namely one camp consisting of dancers who are involved in battle.
The theme in the serimpi dance has similarities with the tepa in the Bedhaya Sanga dance, which tells the story of a conflict between two opposite things. The serimpi dance depicts the battle between good and evil, right and wrong, as well as the conflict between human reason and lust.
This dance also takes on the life or philosophy of the east. In addition, it is also a symbol of the ongoing struggle between good and evil.
The expression of war looks clear from the movements displayed by the dancers. The two pairs of dancers will fight other warriors with the help of dance props in the form of weapons.
The weapons used in the serimpi dance include small kris or cundruk, jembeng or shield, and short spears. In the 19th century or under the reign of Sri Sultan Hagmengkubuwana VII, this dance also uses tools such as a gun that is fired downwards.
Meaning of Serimpi Dance
This dance symbolizes the tenderness and elegance of Yogyakarta women as a picture of the true meaning of Javanese female characters. In their role, Javanese women must have smooth speech and be gentle in behavior.
Serimpi dance can be divided into several types, each of which has its own meaning and philosophy according to the character being told. For example, in the Padhlori series, which tells the story of a sad love triangle.
However, of the many types of serimpi dances, the serimpi sangupati type is the most performed. This dance tells about the future king or crown prince who is expected to be the king’s successor to continue the royal power.
Serimpi Dance Function
Like other types of dances from Central Java and Yogyakarta in general, Serimpi dance is a dance that comes from the palace environment. At first, this dance should only be performed in the palace environment.
In ancient times, this dance was held during the inauguration of the new sultan or king, as well as state events at the palace. However, over time, this dance is also performed by the general public as an entertainment dance.
Dancer’s Clothing and Properties
In addition to the graceful and gentle movements of the serimpi dancers, the dancers also look beautiful in Javanese costumes and decorations. In the past, serimpi dancers always wore Yogyakarta bride’s clothes.
However, at this time the dancer’s clothing has developed and changed by wearing a sleeveless top, and the bottom wearing a batik-patterned jarik cloth.
The dancer’s head is decorated with coils, flowers, and decorations in the form of cassowary feathers. In order to make the peanri look more beautiful, some additional accessories such as necklaces, bracelets and earrings are also used.
Then to emphasize the movements made by the dancers, there is also a scarf tied around the waist, and a dagger tucked in the front of the abdomen crossed to the left.
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