Bambangan Cakil Dance, Traditional Dance From Central Java



Bambangan Cakil dance is one of the traditional dances originating from Central Java. This dance was adopted from one of the scenes in the puppet story. The scenes that were adopted were the flower war scenes, which tell of the war between the knights and the giants. This dance is one of the classical dances that exist in Java, especially in the province of Central Java.

The Origin of Bambangan Cakil Dance


In this Bambangan Cakil Dance tells a war between good and evil. These two traits are depicted in the dance movements of the characters in this dance. Where the goodness that exists in the knight character is depicted with a movement that is subtle and gentle. While the crime of the giant figure is depicted with a movement that is rough and violent. The characters in the wayang used in this dance are Arjuna as a Knight, and Cakil as a giant. Bambang Cakil dance contains a high philosophical value in which crime and also disobedience will always be lost with goodness.

Performances of Bambang Cakil Dance


Movement in this dance is very artistic. Although adopted from wayang stories, dances are not danced with conversation. But the message and story in this dance are still conveyed through the flow of movement of the dancers. In the role of the characters in this Bambangan Cakil Dance, there are certainly certain conditions for this dance to look interesting, such as the physical of the dancers, flexibility in dancing, and also the nature of the dancers themselves. In the role of warrior characters usually, have to have a beautiful physical and flexible or gentle. While in the role of cakil, it takes agility in dancing because of its violent nature, so it requires more movement. In addition, the cakil dancers should be flexible, because the movement of this cadre tends to be active.

Performances of Bambang Cakil Dance


In the show, Bambangan Cakil Dance is usually not only played by 2 people only. However, there are several supporting roles such as giant troops as well as female dancers as a pair of knights. The role of supporters is usually played at the beginning of the show so that the dance performance is not rigid and also more interesting.

Bambangan Cakil Dance Companion


Bambang Cakil dance is usually accompanied by gending srempengan accompaniment, Ladrang Cluntang Sampak Laras Slendro. The sounds of the drums in musical accompaniment are very important in this dance. As in other Javanese dance, the sound of drums must be aligned with the movements of the dancers and other accompaniment music.

Clothing Dance Bambangan Cakil


Clothing that is used by dancers usually use clothing on wayang uwong or wayang orang, but also makeup is also used as wayang wong. All that is adapted to the character played by dancers.

Development of Bambangan Cakil Dance


In its development, Bambangan Cakil Dance is often displayed with different packaging on each dance group or performances. Some creations are done in the movement or the additional dancers to make the show look interesting and also do not look stiff. Bambangan Cakil dance is often featured in various cultural events, welcoming guests of honor or at cultural festivals. Because the dance movement is so artistic and the values inside are so distinctive. This dance is a traditional dance from Central Java that must be preserved.