Padoa Dance, Traditional Dances From Sabu Raijua NTT



Padoa Dance is a traditional dance from Sabu Raijua area, East Nusa Tenggara Province (NTT). This dance is usually done en masse both men and women, they gather and dance by forming a circular formation that became his trademark. Padoa dance is a traditional dance that has been passed down from generation to generation in the community of Sabu and still is often done until now.

History of Padoa Dance


Padoa dance was formerly a traditional ritual dance performed by Sabu society, which is often performed in the rainy season and every night of full moon. This dance is usually performed by all villagers, be it male or female, old or young. They will gather into a circle formation and also dance accompanied by a song containing prayers or praise to God. In addition to being used in spiritual ceremonies, this dance is also often used by young people to find a mate. Because Padoa Dance is usually will be followed by many young men and women, so it can be a means of knowing each other.

Meaning of Padoa Dance


For the Sabu community, this Padoa Dance certainly has a special meaning in it, one of which is to get closer to God and also the expression of gratitude for the blessings that God has given them. In addition, this dance is also one of the media in strengthening their unity and togetherness. It can be seen from this dance form, where they will gather and dance together without distinguishing their gender or social status.

Padoa Dance Show


As mentioned earlier, Padoa Dance is a massive dance performed by everyone, whether male or female. In this Padoa Dance show, usually, the dancers have to wear traditional clothes and also equipped with a wicker container on their feet. These wicker containers are usually filled with green beans that are harvested from the garden. In addition to work to produce sound, purportedly when after dancing the beans are still intact, it can be trusted to have good quality and will be planted at the next season.

In the show, it usually starts with dancers marching in 2 rows and walking towards the arena led by someone who recites the poem. On the way to the arena, the dancers walk with a distinctive hand gesture and the foot stomping as if dragged so that the container in his leg will produce sound. Once in the arena, they will then form a one-loop formation.

After that proceed with hands holding each other behind the body of the other dancers and dance with the movement back and forth together. In addition, the dancers also do the movement of the foot so that the sound of the container still sounds. After that, the way they hold hands is changed to be more tenuous so that will produce a larger circle. In this round of dancers, while stomping their feet, they will also sing the poetry led by the poet's career. After the round is complete the dancers exit the arena with the same formation and motion at the time of entry earlier.

Padoa Dance Companion


In this Padoa dance performance is generally only accompanied by poetry singing from the poet's career only. In addition to the sound of music comes only from the sound of the container on the foot of the dancer only. But there are also add traditional musical instruments such as sow and gong to accompany the dance as a variation for the show in this dance looks more interesting.

Padoa Dance Costume


In the show, the dancers are usually clad in traditional clothing. In female dancers usually, use a typical cloth called Ei that is bound to the chest and cover the legs. In the hair section is usually in a typical style Sabu condoms. In addition, the female dancers are also equipped with accessories such as earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and silver belt.

While the male dancers usually use a typical cloth called higi huri tied in the abdomen and cover up to the knee. In the upper body will usually use the cloth as well, but made selampang. While at the head of the male dancers usually use a dastar called willa hipora. The dancers both male and female will use a container containing green bean seeds that are installed and then tied at their feet.

The Development of Padoa Dance


In its development, Padoa Dance is still maintained and preserved by Sabu society. In addition to being used in traditional events, Padoa Dance is also often displayed in various events such as the reception of important guests, art performances, and cultural festivals. Padoa dance is used as one tourist attraction for both local and foreign tourists who are coming here. This is one way Sabu society in maintaining and also introduce to the public about the cultural heritage they have.