Cirebon court festival features stunning dances

Cirebon court festival features stunning dances

CIREBON, West Java (JP): Court dances from three kingdoms in
Sumatra and Sulawesi stunned spectators yesterday on the third-
day of the week-long royal court festival here.

The royal courts of Deli Serdang in North Sumatra and Saoraja
and Gowa in South Sulawesi presented the dances.

Although upset by a program change, visitors at the festival
were satisfied with the three royal courts' dances and
traditional ceremonies.

Deli Serdang, which replaced Istana Balla Lompoa of Goa, South
Sulawesi, in the program, made its debut at the Kacirebonan
Palace yesterday afternoon.

The Deli Serdang performers put on a series of indigenous
dances, including Jala, Persembahan, Cek Minah Sayang, Bunga
Tanaung, Mak Inang Pulau Kampai, Serampang Duabelas and Indra
Kayangan.

Most of the numbers celebrated happiness and joy. Jala (fish
net), for instance, depicted the gaiety of ancient coastal
fishermen.

Before exhibiting court costumes, the Deli contingent
presented the attractive wedding party of a royal couple which
was enlivened by energetic dancers.

In the evening, the Saoraja Sultanate proudly displayed its
indigenous rituals, which mostly had Islamic influences.

In the meantime at Gowa Palace, the audience seemed to have
little understanding the palace's traditions.

The dancing girls of Gowa, known in school textbooks as the
land of the heroic Sultan Hasanuddin, moved proudly in Pakarena
Balla Lompo and several other numbers. Many of these dances are
considered sacred and performed only to welcome a sultan's very
important guests.

An Akkareng ceremony, a religious and traditional epic
depicting the birth and life of a ruler, caused spectators to
applause loudly.

Early in the day, the Pakualam contingent from Yogyakarta
performed a series of royal songs and dances and exhibited art
dating back to the sultanate's golden days.

The Srimpi Gambir Sawit dance performed by four women received
the most praised. (bsr/bay)

Today's events (venue; time; location):

Palembang Darussalam; 02.00 pm - 05:00 pm; Kasepuhan Palace
Sultanate (South Sumatera)

Alwatzkubillah (West Kalimantan); 07:30 pm - 10:30 pm;
Kasepuhan Palace Kalimantan)

Siak (Riau); 02.00 pm - 05:00 pm; Kacirebonan Palace

Amantubillah Mempawah; 07:30 pm - 10:30 pm; Kacirebonan Palace
(West Kalimantan)

Note: Each group has its own ritual art, costumes and ceremonies.

Events on every day (venue; time; location):

Heirloom display; 08:00 am - 07:00 pm; Kanoman Palace

West Java art show; 08:00 pm - finish; Kejaksaan Square,
Kebumen Square

Rulers' family tree exhibition; 08:00 am - 08:00 pm; Kasepuhan
Palace

FKN II Fair; 09:00 am - 10:00 pm; Kejaksaan Square

Source: FKN II organizing committee