Likurai Dance, Traditional Dances From Belu Region of NTT

Likurai Dance is one of the traditional dances of war dance from Belu, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). This dance is generally performed by some male dancers by using swords and female dancers by using Tihar or small kendang as an attribute in the dance. The Likurai dance is a well-known traditional dance in the Belu area of East Nusa Tenggara Province and is often featured in various events such as traditional ceremonies, important guest reception, art performances as well as cultural festivals.

History of Likurai Dance

Likurai dance is a traditional dance from Belu, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) province. This dance was originally a dance that was often featured in welcoming the heroes who came home from the battlefield. It is said that in ancient times in Belu region there is a tradition beheaded the enemy. So that when they come home from the battlefield always brings the head of the enemy they have defeated as a symbol of his might.

To celebrate this victory, the Likurai Dance is usually performed as a welcome dance. This Likurai dance is an expression of gratitude and also the excitement of the people for the victory they have gained and the return of the heroes safely. But after the independence era, this tradition of head-scarf was abolished. Nevertheless, this Likurai Dance is still maintained by the Belu people and is still often featured in traditional ceremonies, important guest reception, even performing arts and culture.

Functions And Meaning Of Likurai Dance

At this time Likurai Dance is only more functioned as a welcome dance for the important guests who are coming there. This dance is performed as a form of public honor in welcoming the arrival of the guests. Besides this dance also describes the expression of gratitude and also happy people in welcoming their guests.

Likurai Dance Show

In the show, Likurai Dance is performed by female dancers and male dancers. The number of dancers usually consists of 10 (ten) or more female dancers and 2 (two) male dancers. In this Likurai Dance, the female dancers use traditional women's clothing and also bring Tihar (small drums) to dance. While the male dancers also use men's clothing and also carry the sword as an attribute in the dance.

In this Likurai dance movement of male dancers and female dancers are different. Movement in female dancers is usually more dominated by hand movements that play drums quickly and movements of stomping legs alternately. In addition, the dancers dance with body movements wiggle to the left and right according to the rhythm. Movement on the female dancers is quite difficult, in addition to having to move dance, the dancers also have to concentrate on playing the drum and keep the rhythm that is played to remain the same as the other dancers.

While the movement in male dancers is usually dominated by hand movements that play the sword and the movement of the foot stomping in accordance with the rhythm. In addition, male dancers also often make movements such as ducking and also circling while playing the sword they carry. the movement of the male dancers is also quite difficult because, in addition to dancing, dancers also have to adjust the beat of his feet to the rhythm of the music.

Likurai Dance Companions

In performing this dance usually, do not use any musical accompaniment. The sound of music in this dance usually comes from the small drum sounds played by the female dancers and the sounds of bells attached to the dancers' feet. In addition, the voice of a typical male dancer's screams also make this dance more festive and the impression in the war dance is also very pronounced.

Likurai Dance Costume

Costume or clothing used by dancers Likurai dance is usually a custom costume. In the female dancers will usually be wrapped with a long sarong cloth that covers their bodies from the chest to the legs. In the hair, the section will usually be in the condo and use a typical headband from Belu. In addition, the dancers also use various accessories such as wearing bracelets and necklaces are typical, and will bring a small drum used in dancing.

While the male dancers will usually use long sleeves at the top and will use a sarong on the bottom. In the head section, the male dancers also use a typical headband from Belu. In dancing, usually, male dancers carry a sword on the right hand and a sword holster on the left hand.

The Development of Likurai Dance

Likurai Dance is one of the traditional dances that are still preserved and developed by the people of Belu, NTT Province. In its development, various variations and also creations are often added, both in terms of motion, costume, and presentation of the dance. It is done to make it look more attractive, but it does not leave its trademark.

Although not used as a dance of war, Likurai Dance is still often displayed in various events such as important guests reception, traditional ceremonies, art performances, celebrations, and cultural festivals. This is done as an effort to preserve and also introduce to the younger generation and the wider community of their cultural traditions.