Remo Dance - History, Philosophical Meaning, Floor Pattern Movements, and Its Properties
It has indeed become common knowledge that Indonesia is a country rich in its cultural heritage. One of them is the traditional dance art that is spread across its various regions.
Where each movement has its own characteristics, for example, the Remo Dance originates from East Java. Want to know about its origins and meaning? Check out the following review.
What is the Remo Dance?
Considered one of the cultural heritage of the archipelago, the Remo dance itself originates from East Java Province, more precisely from Jombang Regency.
So it is not surprising that the local community often performs this traditional dance at events welcoming honored guests. Even on several occasions, this art is often showcased during national commemorative days.
Sometimes, this dance is used as an opening display for Ludruk art events. Although it originates from Jombang, in several areas such as Malang, Surabaya, and others, this dance is known as the Remong Dance.
This is none other than due to the influence of cultural traditions in each region, but there are still many similarities. Many locals also refer to this dance as Ngremo, which is performed by both men and women.
Not much different from other arts, this dance is also rich in its historical values. Therefore, the Remo dance from Jombang has unique movements that cannot be found in other cultures.
History of the Remo Dance
As mentioned earlier, the origins of the Remo dance come from one of the villages in Jombang, namely Ceweng Village, Diwek District. It turns out that this dance was originally created by street artists carrying the theme or story of a brave and gallant prince.
According to the story, Ngremo tells of the struggles of a prince in the midst of battle.
Initially, this dance was only introduced on the streets or in other words, busking. However, since the 1920s, along with Ludruk art, this dance began to develop rapidly.
At that time, this dance had a very religious nature. However, it then shifted to being an art form used to entertain the community.
Until now, this dance from East Java is often performed at various specific events, including as an opening for Ludruk performances. Many also use it as a means of communication.
If Ludruk and Ngremo are combined, it will depict a political reality during the movement. This dance becomes very characteristic with its military theme.
In the past, Ngremo was only performed by men due to the theme it carried. But now, the Remo dance from East Java is often performed by women, thus referred to as the Women's Remo Dance.
Although performed by women, the costumes worn are still male attire. Of course, the aura emitted is not much different.
Not only developed in Jombang, Ngremo has also spread to various other regions in East Java. This development is closely related to the acculturation of cultural traditions in each region.
Among them are the Surabayan Style from Surabaya, Jombang Style from Jombang, Malangan Style from Malang, and many others.
Meaning and Philosophy of the Remo Dance
Like other arts, this dance from East Java also contains various elements of art, philosophy, and meaning in each of its movements. Because the movements of the Remo Dance are like the 'gedruk' movement, which is a foot movement that stomps on the ground.
Gedruk means that each person must have self-awareness of every life on earth.
There is also the 'gendewa' movement, which signifies that humans should have a nimble attitude like an arrow released from its bow. Then there is the 'tepisan' movement, which relies on the speed and accuracy of the hands.
The meaning of the Remo Dance in these movements is the unity of oneself with the power of nature. Meanwhile, the 'ngore remo' movement means improving oneself physically.
Character of the Remo Dancer
In addition to knowing its meaning and history, it would be good to delve deeper into the concept it carries.
This is where the uniqueness of the Remo dance from Jombang lies, which encompasses several aspects including the dancers, dance movements, costumes, and others. Therefore, let’s first discuss the dancers who contribute to the performance.
Initially, this dance was indeed performed by male dancers. This is because the storyline tells of a prince with a brave character in battle.
So it is not surprising that the dancers must highlight their gentle attitude and masculinity. Moreover, the character of the dancers is closely related to its historical values.
Actually, the number of dancers in Ngremo only requires one person. But in reality, there are times when this dance is performed by more than one person.
Of course, this is not a big issue, and it is even allowed. The Remong dance is now considered fiercer when performed by female dancers. That is why, the female style of Ngremo emerged.
Movements and Accompaniment of the Remo Dance
An essential element of dance that cannot be overlooked is the movements and its accompanying music. One of its characteristic movements is the dynamic foot stomping or gredug.
Usually, the dancers wear ankle bracelets that have small bells. This produces a very unique jingling sound during the dance.
In addition, the foot stomping movements in the Remo dance from East Java create sounds that harmonize with the accompanying music and form a harmony.
The next interesting movement is the sampur or the waving of the scarf, head movements, and the stance of the dancers accompanied by very expressive facial expressions.
While performing the dance, the dancers also pay attention to the floor pattern of the Remo Dance. Usually, they use a diagonal floor pattern, which forms lines angled to the right or left.
Meanwhile, the music itself comes from gamelan, which consists of bonang penerus, gambang, saron, bonang barung, gender, flute, slentem, siter, kethuk, gong, and kempul.
Costumes and Properties of the Remo Dance
Another interesting concept in the Remong Dance is the costumes and properties used. Since this dance has been adopted in several regions in East Java, the costumes of the Remo Dance are quite varied to suit their styles.
Although each region has different clothing styles, they all have several common accessories that are always worn.
Among the properties of the Remo Dance are a special red headband, black knee-length pants, long-sleeved shirts, typical coastal batik cloth, kris, scarf, stagen, and ankle bracelets with bells.
Meanwhile, the costumes worn by female dancers in the Remo dance from East Java are slightly different, as there are some additions.
Ngremo has become one of the cultural heritage that must be preserved. Moreover, this dance has characteristics typical of East Java that are rarely found in other regions of the archipelago.
Although in its development, the function of the Remong Dance has changed, its existence is currently awaited and appreciated as it is used to welcome distinguished guests.
