Measles Dance, Traditional Dance From Bangka Belitung



Measles dance is a traditional dance originating from the Bangka Belitung archipelago. This dance describes the joy in the association of teenagers there. This dance will usually be performed by male dancers as well as women with expressions and movements that portray a joy. The measles dance is generally performed in occasions such as grand guests, weddings, and other events.

History of Measles Dance


This measles dance originally came from the Riau archipelago. Then this dance was brought and developed in Bangka Belitung by someone named Nek Campak, so this dance is better known and often called Measles Dance. In the era of Portuguese colonization, this dance experienced cultural acculturation. This cultural mix is very visible in the movements, costumes, and musical accompaniment that has a stylish impression in Europe. Nevertheless, local culture is still attached to this dance, it is seen in the costumes of male dancers, rhymes of rhymes, and also some musical instruments accompanist which is a style of Malay.

Measles Dance Function


This measles dance is usually performed during the rice harvesting season or after the ume (garden). But in the development of this dance is displayed in a traditional party such as the welcoming of large guests and weddings.

Dance Measuring Show


Measles Dance will usually be danced by male and female dancers in pairs. In the show, the dancers will dance with a vivacious movement and also a joyful expression following the rhythm of the musical accompaniment. On the sidelines of the dance, the male dancers and female dancers will also reciprocate the rhymes that characterize the Malay culture. In this measles dance usually there is also a time where the dancers will invite the audience to join the dance, so it will make the performance of the Measles Dance is more festive.

Measles Measuring Music


Cultural acculturation in Measles Dance is also seen in musical instruments. The Measles Dance show will be accompanied by musical instruments such as gongs and drums which are original music from local culture, as well as the accordions and violins that are the music of European culture. This instrument is played in harmony and in harmony with the movements of the dancers.

Measles Dance Costume


The costumes used by these dancers are a combination of Malay culture and European culture. In the costume of a female dancer, the dancers will wear very thick outfits of the style of European clothing such as long dresses and high heels. While in the costumes of male dancers are very thick will the style of Malay clothing such as shirts, trousers, caps, and also scarves.

Development of Measles Dance


In its development, this Measles Dance has become one of the traditional art icons from Bangka Belitung. In addition, the dances that used to be only featured in this particular event, are also often displayed at festivals such as at weddings, great guests softening and also other events.