Ja'i Dance, Traditional Dance From NTT



Ja'i dance is a traditional dance originating from the Ngada community in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara Province (NTT). This dance is a traditional dance performed massively by the community there as an expression of gratitude and joy. This Ja'i dance is one of the most famous traditional dances in Flores, especially in Ngada society, and is often featured in various events such as celebrations, traditional ceremonies and also welcomes guests of honor.

The Origin of Ja'i Dance


This Ja'i dance is a traditional dance of Ngada tribe that is often featured in Sa'o Ngaza rite. This dance is performed as an expression of the gratitude and joy of the community. Ja'i dance is usually will be done en masse by Ngada people, the more participants who follow the dance will be more wisdom. For Ngada people, besides being used as an expression of gratitude, Ja'i Dance also has very important values of community life.

Function And Meaning Of Ja'i Dance


As explained earlier, Ja'i Dance is a dance that is often performed in traditional ceremonies as an expression of gratitude and also their joy. For the Ngada people, the Dance of Ja'i has important values for life, be it social and social. In this dance, we can see how the spirit of togetherness is always intertwined with them.

Ja'i Dance Performance


Ja'i dance is a traditional dance performed en masse and can be done by male and female dancers, the more the participants who follow the dance, the better. In the show, the dancers will line up and move simultaneously with the typical movement of the Ja'i Dance and follow the rhythm of the accompaniment music. The movement of the Ja'i Dance is quite simple and done repeatedly. But because it is done together then this dance will feel festive and also fun.

Ja'i Dance Companion Music


In the show, the dancers will be accompanied by the rhythm of musical instruments such as gongs and drums called the Profit go. Go profit consists of dhera, wela-wela, uto-uto, meru, and profit. These five musical instruments are played together and will produce a distinctive musical rhythm. In dance performances, this dance movement usually must be adjusted to the accompaniment of the music Go profit.

Clothing Dance Ja'i


In the show of the Ja'i Dance, the dancers have to wear a complete custom clothing. For customary clothing men usually consist of boku, mara ngia, broom, relief jara, dhegho, lu'e, keru, and sau. While the customary women's clothing consists of lua manu, lawo, mara ngia, relief jara, gauze sese, dhegho, keru, and butu.

The Development of Ja'i Dance


In its development, this dance began to get attention and also known by the wider community. Now Ja'i Dance is not only featured in certain custom ceremonies, this dance is also often displayed in various cultural events, both at the regional, national, even international level. In addition, various variations and modifications are often done in the show, so this dance looks more interesting and not rigid but did not leave the original form. It is done as a form of effort in preserving the traditions and culture, so as not to extinct and also stay alive with the times.