Boot scooting locals take to the dance floor
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Billy Ray Cyrus would be proud. Indonesians are lining up to try out the latest fad -- country music line dancing -- and the toe-tapping craze has established quite a foothold in the country, organizers say.
The growing number of line dancing enthusiasts is evident from the increasing membership at the Country Music Club of Indonesia (CMCI), established two years ago. The club has more than 1,000 members spread across the country.
It's not clear why line dancing is attracting more followers than ever before. Some attribute this to the relative popularity of Indonesian Poco-poco line dancing, which originates from North Sulawesi.
Many Indonesians love to dance the Poco-poco possibly because -- just like line dancing in U.S. -- they do not need partners. The rhythm just begs people to dance.
In addition to Poco-poco, others say the number of country music programs on local TV have given people a taste for American country line dancing, programs such as Country Roads on state TVRI and later Go Country on Metro TV -- both hosted by music giant Tantowi Yahya.
A number of local country bands have made a name for themselves, such as Ole Friends, the F2 (Fauzi and Fauzan) and the Green Cowboys.
Tantowi has promoted line dancing through performances across the country, attracting more crowds, with some becoming members of CMCI.
Those who join CMCI have access to information on line dancing, including venues and a list of dancing instructors.
CMCI international and regional relations coordinator Kuntari Soemardie said that first-time dancers were interested because line dancing was a simple movement -- unlike ballroom dancing.
"As soon as dancers learn the basic steps, they can go dancing," Kuntari, who is also a line dance instructor, told The Jakarta Post.
Unlike local traditional dances, line dance is more for socializing and friendship, and a number of line dancing groups have been established.
The growing number of people taking up line dancing has prompted small-scale businessmen Hairul Subki and Esther Suryani to open stores specializing in country-western costumes and accessories -- called TY Western Wears -- one in Ratu Plaza, South Jakarta, and the other on Jl. Dipati Ukur, Bandung, West Java.
According to Harul Subki, TY stands for Tantowi Yahya, whom he considers to be a central figure in promoting line dancing and country music in Indonesia.
The stores, which opened in 2002, provide all kinds of imported and locally produced apparel and accessories for cowboys and cowgirls, such as boots, hats, clothing, purses, bags, jackets and ties, with price tags ranging from Rp 150,000 (US$15) to Rp 5 million.
"The response has been surprising," said Esther, adding that many line dancing groups ordered apparel and accessories from her stores. "It seems more and more people are taking up line dancing,"