Thengul Dance, Traditional Dance From Bojonegoro East Java

Thengul Dance is a traditional dance inspired by Wayang thengul from Bojonegoro, East Java Province. In this dance is usually performed dancers in groups with movements, expressions, and costumes that resemble the Thengul Puppet. Thengul dance is in addition created for the art, as well as a form of appreciation and effort in raising the art of Thengul Puppet that is currently almost drowned.

History of Thengul Dance

According to historical sources, this dance was created in 1991 by Joko Santoso and Ibnu Sutawa. Initially, they were asked by the Department of Education and Culture of Bojonegoro Regency to create a new creations dance that will be displayed in the cultural week of East Java province. Once so and displayed at the event, it got a very good reception by winning the best performance category. From there Thengul Dance is widely known by the public.

Thengul Dance Performance

Thengul dance is usually displayed by 7 (seven) female dancers in costume and also the makeup of white face as well as dolls. The dancer is dancing like a Thengul Puppet with rigid movements and facial expressions that look funny to create an impression of humor and always entertaining in every show. Movement and facial expressions that make the characteristic of this Thengul Dance.

In the show usually, begins with open gender and then followed by slantem with oklik. Then the dancers come out with pinocchio and then proceed with open cluluk, jogedan, playon, jokes and closed with kayon.

Thengul Dance Companions

In the show, Thengul Dance is also accompanied by various traditional musical instruments such as oct, ithik-ithik, violin and also slendro barrel gamelan. In addition to accompaniment music will also be accompanied by tembang and senggakan.

Thengul Dance Costume

The costumes and makeup used by dancers are generally like Thengul Puppet characters. The faces of the dancers are white with black lines, eyebrows, and eyes. For clothing that is used, on the top dancers use clothing such as kemben, while at the bottom using a long cloth with bledak style. At the head will use a shaped cundhuk like Wayang thengul.

The development of Thengul Dance

In its development, this dance is still studied and also preserved its existence. In addition to entering the realm of tourism, Thengul Dance is also incorporated into the realm of education as an effort in introducing to the younger generation so that the regeneration process will continue to run. In addition, Thengul Dance is often displayed in various cultural festivals held both in the region and outside the region. Not only there, Thengul Dance is also made a welcome dance for the big guests who come to Bojonegoro, East Java Province. Certainly, as an effort in preserving and also introducing to the public will this Thengul Dance.