Indonesia

KUDA LUMPING DANCE – INDONESIA

Literally meaning “flat horse” when translated is a Southeast Asian dance form known as Kuda Lumping. This “traditional” dance is said to have originated from Java in Indonesia, and is also popular within Javanese communities belonging to Suriname, Malaysia, and Singapore. Furthermore, this dance involves the use of a prop in the form of a horse made from bamboo. In addition, colourful costumes are also used by the performers in this dance.

Another version claims that the lumping horse dance tells the tale of Jathil, a handsome young man who helped the Bantarangin kingdom fight the troops riding wild boars from the Lodaya kingdom in the legendary series of the Reog century. Jathil was a white horse rider with golden hair, a golden tail, and golden wings.

Regardless of its historical significance or origins, the lumping horse dance captures the valor and military prowess of a cavalry or cavalry. This is demonstrated by the bamboo mats’ rhythmic, dynamic, and aggressive movements, which resemble those of a horse fighting for its life. This attraction may have been a manifestation of the paranormal abilities that the Kingdom of Java had developed in antiquity and was employed against Dutch troops on a non-military level.

This lumping horse dance features four dance fragments in each performance, including two Buto Lawas dances, a Senterewe dance, and a Begon Putri dance.

a. History/origin of the Kuda Lumping:

The trance dance known as Kuda Lumping, also known as Jahtilan, has its origins in pre-Islamic Indonesia. Originally believed to be a recreation of long matches, it is actually the kampung people’s artistic expression through dance and music (village). Kuda Lumping is a fluid, unpolished dance that is not performed by “professional” dancers, in contrast to the highly structured and refined forms of Javanese dance. It is integrated into Javan culture today and is a living culture in every way. It is frequently carried out to commemorate circumcisions and to mark individual and collective accomplishments. 

Padepokan Gunung Ukir, a group from Batu, East Java, which is well-known for its extreme Kuda Lumping interpretations and deep trance, is bringing this performance to Melbourne. Although the origin of this dance style is unclear there exist two theories that provide a logical explanation behind the creation of this dance. These theories are as follows:

Theory Number 1:

States that this dance form may have been created from the war waged by Javanese prince Diponegoro against the colonial rule of the Dutch.

Theory Number 2:

States that this dance style is based on the manner in which the troops belonging to the Mataram dynasty rode their horses.

b. Costumes used in the Kuda Lumping:

“Colourful costumes” are generally worn by the performers in this dance form. Furthermore, the performer at times may also dress up as a soldier. In addition, small bells may also be worn by the performer around the ankle.

c. Music involved in the Kuda Lumping:

The musical instruments used in this dance include the angklung i.e. idiophone, gongs, and a form of drum known as “dog-dog”.

d. Training availability and technique involved in the Kuda Lumping:

In terms of technique, the performers in this dance imitate the movements of troops (belonging to the Mataram dynasty) riding horses. Furthermore, the performer in this dance appears to be in a “trance” and seems possessed by a spirit. It is during this state of trance that the performer may even eat glass walking on coals, or smashing roof tiles on one another while performing.  In addition, this dance is performed by a group of about 2 to 8 people mainly by men. As the evening continues to evolve, we find ourselves observers of an ephemeral in-between space where the living and the dead can come and play, dance, and dare. Kuda Lumping is one of those thrilling combinations that are distinctive to Indonesia. As for training centers/schools, there are none available around the world since this “traditional” dance is mainly performed in places such as Indonesia, Suriname, and Malaysia.

KUDA LUMPING DANCE VIDEOS – INDONESIA

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