Tandok Dance, Traditional Dances From North Sumatra

Tandok dance is one of the traditional dances originating from North Sumatra. This dance is a traditional dance that closely related to the planting culture of Batak society. Tandok dance tells about the activities in harvesting rice by using a tandok made by mothers in the fields. In addition, in this dance also contained the importance of family values among peoples.

The dancers of this tandok generally a woman who wears traditional Batak clothing is more dominated by black and red. Properties used in the Tandok Dance between the tandok itself, ulos, and sarong. Tandok dance is usually danced by 4 (four) dancers, but it does not become grip, so this dance can be danced more than 4 (four) people whose number is always even.

While in the arena of traditional dance music of North Tapanuli community is usually accompanied by music Gondang. Similar to the existing gamelan in Java and Bali, Gondang is also a musical ensemble that the system of the staircase has variations. If the gamelan of Java and Bali variations of music produced depends on the skills of players Salendro, then the Gondang variations are dependent on the players Sarune and Taganing.

Movement in Tandok dance is more dominated by hand gestures. In certain parts, the dancers will form a circular formation with Tandok in the middle. The movement described the atmosphere of collecting rice into a container commonly used by mothers in the fields. Tandok dance movement in general also describes the Tor-Tor movement performed by the mothers at every party and limb, while making the tandok as a head covering.

Tandok Dance has a deep message about the closeness of a family bond in the land of Batak. Moreover, this Tandok dance also depicts Batak people who have long lived as an agrarian nation, a nation that closely related to the culture of planting and also respect the nature as respect for the ancestors.