Golek Menak Dance, Traditional Dance From Yogyakarta

The Golek Menak Dance is one of the classic dances inspired by the Golek Menek Wayang movement. This dance is a traditional classical dance that comes from Yogyakarta which has high artistic value. This dance was created by Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono IX because of his love and admiration to Wayang Golek Menak.

Named Golak Dance Dance is because this dance is inspired by performances from Wayang Golek Menak. As the name implies, the movement, storyline, clothing and also figures on the Golak Menak Dance is embodied in this Golek Menak Dance. So in this dance can be said one dance that has a high artistic value.

History of Golek Dance Menak

Historically, this Golek Menek Dance began to be created by Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono IX in 1941. In carrying out his idea, the Sultan invites dance experts and several dance institutions in Yogyakarta Province. In the process of creating this dance takes a long time, because in mimicking the movement of each character on the Wayang Golek Menak this has a high level of difficulty. This dance began to get its perfect form in 1989. Before Sri Sultan had witnessed the results of the perfection of this dance, he had passed away first.

To fulfill the request of Sri Sultan hamengkubuwono IX, the refinement team from Golek Menak Dance held a show for the first time after this dance was perfected. In the performance was also displayed Wayang Golek Menak and Menak Golak Dance drama with the same theme of "kelaswara palakrama" or a marriage between the class with Wong Agung Jayengrana. The performances of the perfection of the dance have been successfully performed as desired by Sri Sultan. But for the clothing desirable Sri Sultan require a large enough cost, so in the show, the clothing worn was still using clothing that has not been perfected with only the addition and also modifications as necessary. Along with the development of the times, this dance continues to be developed until it reaches like its current shape.

The Golek Dance Show

In the show, the dancers dance with movements adapted to the characters played, because each character, of course, has its own movement. Movement in this dance is more dominated by broken movement like wayang golek movement. Movement of the hands, shoulders, head, legs and also hip that follow the accompaniment of musical accompaniment or gendhing accompanist. Movement in this dance has a high degree of difficulty. In playing this dance, the dancers must have flexibility in dancing and also have a strong base of motion.

Golek Menak Dance Clothes

In the show, the dancers are clothed in clothing like a long-sleeved velvet blouse on the top and cindhe pants at the bottom. In addition, accessories used such as crowns, sumping, bracelets, necklaces and kris are also inserted in the front. Dress and makeup for each dancer in this dance tailored to the character he brought.

Development of Golak Menak Dance

In its development, this dance continues to be preserved by some dance studio as well as dance school that exists in Yogyakarta Province. This dance is often displayed in various events of the palace and cultural events in Yogyakarta Province.