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