Saureka Reka Dance, Traditional Dance From Maluku



Saureka Reka Dance is a traditional dance of a kind of social dance originating from Maluku Province. This dance is usually performed by young people, where the men will play gaba-gaba and the women will dance and avoid the gaba-gaba. Gaba-gaba itself is a sago tree blade that is used as an attribute or property in dancing and at the same time be music accompaniment of this dance. Saureka Reka dance is one of the traditional arts and games of the Maluku is quite popular among the public and often displayed in various events and entertainment customs.

History of Saureka Reka Dance


It is said that Saureka Reka Dance has existed since ancient times in Maluku, especially in the area of Central Maluku. Saureka Reka dance was formerly often done by sago farmers at the time of the harvest season arrived. This dance is performed as an expression of the joy and gratitude of the community for their harvest. In the province of Maluku in addition to rich in the spices, there are also many sago palms. Sago is usually used by people as ingredients of consumption, other than that the wood can be used as a building material or as a traditional musical instrument such as Tifa and gaba-gaba used in this Saman Reka Dance.

Function And Meaning Of Saureka Reka Dance


As mentioned earlier, Saureka Reka Dance is interpreted as an expression of gratitude and joy of the community over life and also the blessing was given to God for them. In addition, this dance functioned as a social dance society, especially for young people. In addition to strengthening the friendship rope, this dance can also be a medium for teenagers in search for a mate.

Currently, Saureka Reka Dance is not only used as a game or as entertainment among the community but also has developed into a dance performance. This dance is also often featured in various cultural events such as art shows and cultural festivals. In addition, Saureka Reka dance is also one of the attractions for the tourists who are coming here.

Saureka Reka Dance Performance


In the show, Saureka Reka Dance is usually shown by 8 people, consisting of 4 (four) men and 4 (four) women. The men will usually be in charge of playing gaba-gaba, while the women usually as dancers. With the accompaniment of traditional music and sound gaba-gaba, the dancers will dance by jumping or avoiding the applause from the gaba-gaba.

To dance this Saureka Reka certainly need special skills, especially on agility and accuracy when jumping. In addition, stamina is also an important factor because the game is very draining. And if the dancers are tired it will reduce the accuracy in jumping or avoiding gaba-gaba, so that will result in their feet pinched and even fell.

Saureka Reka Dance Companions


Saureka Reka dance performance is usually accompanied by traditional musical instruments such as Tifa and totobuang. Tifa is a musical instrument such as drum and played by beating. In addition to being a musical accompaniment, the beat of the drums also becomes a reference for dancers when jumping. While totobuang is a kind of musical instrument small gong arranged in accordance with the notes. Totobuang this will usually serve as a melody in accompanying Saureka Reka Dance. Rhythm is generally a fun rhythm that can make the dancers become excited. In addition to Tifa and totobuang, this gaba-gaba also became one of the accompanist music. The sound of the gaba-gaba clap is then combined with the Tifa and totobuang musical instruments, so that will produce beautiful music and also distinctive.

Saureka Reka Dance Costume


The costumes used by the dancers at the Saureka Reka Dance show are usually customary clothing. The women will usually use traditional clothes and cloth subordinates typical of Maluku. This subordinate cloth will usually be made a little loose so it will make the dancers can be free while dancing. While the men can wear traditional clothes and free clothes, the important uniform. Usually, for the costume, Saureka Reka Dance will be tailored to the needs and conditions.

The Development of Saureka Reka Dance


In its development, Saureka Reka Dance is still continuously preserved and developed to date. Various creations and variations are also often added in every show, be it in terms of motion, costume, or musical accompaniment. This dance is also often displayed in various events such as important guests reception, traditional celebrations, and also other traditional events. In addition, this dance is also often displayed in various cultural events such as art performances, cultural festivals and also the promotion of tourism. Apart from being one of the cultural heritages, Saureka Reka Dance has also become one of the attractions for the tourists who are coming there.