Saman Dance - Dance Traditional Aceh

Among the variety of dances from all over Indonesia, including the saman dance in the dance category is very interesting. The uniqueness of this saman dance lies in the cohesiveness of the movement which is amazing. The dancers move in unison can warrant the music is harmonious. Irregular movements of the body seemed to move, continue to dance with a compact, dynamic follow sang songs. It's interesting, is not it? Nothing wrong with a lot saman dance captivate the audience of the art of dance. Not only from Indonesia, but also from abroad. Now, let's cover some more about this unique dance.
History
Why is this dance called the Saman dance? Saman dance was on call because it was created by a cleric named Sheikh Saman Aceh in XIV century AD, from the Gayo highlands. Initially, this dance is a popular game called Pok Ane. But, then added accompaniment that contains poems of praise to God, and accompanied also by a combination of pat-pat of the dancers. At that time, saman dance became one of the media propaganda.

At first, saman dance is only displayed for certain events, especially when celebrating the anniversary of Prophet Muhammad SAW or the so-called Prophet Muhammad 's warning. Typically, saman dance is shown below under the Meunasah (a type of mosque stage). However, over the times, too, Saman developed until their use becomes more frequent. Now, saman dance entertainment can be classified as dance / performance, because the dance performances are not bound by time, certain events or ceremonies. Tari Saman can be displayed on every occasion that is the hustle and excitement, such as birthday parties, weddings or other celebrations. To place, Saman usual at home, field, and there is also the stage.

Tari Saman is usually displayed is guided by a leader who is usually called the Sheikh. Dancer and Saman Sheikh should be able to work well together to create a compact and harmonious movement.

Meaning and Function
Tari Saman used as media propaganda. Before starting Saman, traditional leaders appear to represent the local community. Traditional leaders to give the advice that is useful to the players and spectators. Poetry at the Saman antunkan also contains advice, advice and propaganda.
Here's an example piece of poetry in dance S is safe:

Reno Tewa ni rice paddy, Manuk kedidi Mulu be rempulis bunge.

Meaning:

How beautiful rice fields wind blown graceful. However, the first sandpiper as the bride and groom as well as carrying the name of the fragrance.

But today, a shift function saman dance. This dance is so often serves as a medium of entertainment at parties, celebrations, and other events.

Singing
In the Saman dance, there are 5 kinds of songs:

A. Rengum, that is, as opening or mukaddimah of Saman (ie after the opening remarks made earlier keketar). Rengum this is an imitation of sounds. Once connected direct expires concurrently with the sentence contained therein, including but not limited to someone who is likened to praise, to the object, or to other plants.
2. Ring, namely rengum immediately followed by all dancers.
3. Redet, which is short with a short sound track sung by a dancer at the center of the dance.
4. Syek, the song sung by a performer with a long high-pitched voice, usually a sign of change in motion.
5. Saur, the song is repeated by all the dancers after sung by a solo dancer.


Motion
Saman dance using two elements of the basic elements of movement in dance saman: Applause and cheers chest. Allegedly, when the spread of Islam, sheikhs saman studying ancient Malay dance, then bring back through the motion, accompanied by verses preaching the message of Islam for the sake of ease. In the present context, the religious ritual dances are still used as a medium to convey the message proselytizing through performances.

Saman dance one dance that is quite unique, because it only shows the motion of applause and other movements, like rocking motion, kirep, lingang, surang-strain (all motion is the Gayo language). In addition, there are two rows of people singing, clapping and all dancers must dance Saman dance in harmony. In Tari Saman always, tempo going faster and faster the longer the Saman dance so exciting.

Dancer
In general, Saman dance played by a dozen or a dozen men. but the numbers must be odd. However, in later development, this dance is also played by women. Another opinion says the dance is danced less than 10 people, with details of eight dancers and two people as the grantor while singing. However, developments in the modern era requires that a dance would be more lively when danced by dancers with higher numbers. This is where the Sheikh, he must organize the movement and singing the Saman verses.

Costume or special clothing saman is divided in three parts:
· On the head: bulung pupil or tengkuluk basic black fabric square. Two terms as clothes embroidered with threads, edit kepies.
· On the body: essential clothing / clothes filigree (the basic black dress, embroidered in white thread, green and red, embroidered with the waist portion and kekait kedawek, short-handed shirt) and sarong pants.
· On the hand, wrist masks, handkerchiefs. Similarly, the use of color, according to tradition contains certain values, because through the color indicates the identity of the wearer. The colors reflect the compactness, wisdom, strength, courage and harmony.

Saman dance is very interesting. Saman dance performances are not only popular in our own country, but also popular in foreign countries such as Australia and Europe. Recently saman dance at shows in Australia to commemorate the tsunami catastrophe on December 26, 2006. Therefore, we should be proud of the arts that we have, and preserve it so as not to become extinct.


Sources: http://ensiklopedi-budaya-indonesia.blogspot.com