Wura Bongi Monca Dance, Traditional Dance From Bima NTB



Wura Bongi Monca dance is a traditional dance from Bima, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). This dance is a welcome dance or welcoming guests. This dance is performed by female dancers in groups with very gentle movements while sprinkling yellow rice as a symbol of respect and hope. Wura Bongi Monca dance is a traditional dance that is quite famous and also still often performed in various events in the area of Bima, West Nusa Tenggara Province (NTB).

History of Wura Bongi Monca Dance


According to some sources, this dance is one of the traditional dances that existed and flourished during the Sultanate of Abdul Kahir Sirajuddin in 1640 to 1682. The dance was performed to welcome the arrival of the visiting court guests. With beautiful faces and also graceful movements, the dancers greeted the guests while sprinkling yellow rice as a symbol of respect and hope. The name of Wura Bongi Monca Dance is taken from Bima language which means to sow yellow rice. So this dance can be interpreted as a sower dance yellow rice.

Function And Meaning Of Wura Bongi Monca Dance


As mentioned earlier, the Wura Bongi Monca Dance is performed as a welcome dance for the important guests who come there. In this dance, dancers will dance while sprinkling yellow rice as a sign of respect and hope. In the tradition of Bima, yellow rice is a symbol of prosperity and contains the meanings of life in it. In addition to the people of Bima, the guests are regarded as the bearers of fortune or blessing, so they will greet it with festive as a sign of respect, prayer, and also gratitude.

Wura Bongi Monca Dance Show


In the show, this dance is usually played in groups by 4 to 6 female dancers. With a smile on their face, the dancers danced in tune with the strains of accompaniment music. Movement in this dance is more dominated by slow movement. While dancing they will sprinkle yellow rice towards the guests as well as around the stage as a mark of respect.

Companion Dance Wura Bongi Monca


In the show, the dancers dance in rhythm with the music accompaniment so that will produce a beautiful movement. Music accompaniment in this dance such as a drum, sarone, gong, and laughter. In accompanying this dance, the musicians usually play a slow-paced rhythm that is combined with the movements of the dancers.

Wura Bongi Monca Dance Costume


In the show, the dancers will be wrapped with a beautiful dress makeup typical of Bima. Clothing is like top asi clothes and songket sarong at the bottom. At the head, hair will be curled and using a headband or a flower decoration. There are also other accessories such as bracelets, necklaces, and scarves used in dancing.

Development of Wura Bongi Monca Dance


Although this dance is one of the classical dances, this dance is still preserved and often displayed until today. Various developments have also been done by the artists there both in terms of motion, accompaniment, costumes and also the presentation of the show to make it look more attractive. In addition, Wura Bongi Monca dance is still often displayed in various events such as welcoming guests or cultural festivals as an effort to preserve and introduce to the wider community of art and traditions in Bima, NTB Province.