Yusi Ariani (Photo: Brilio/Retno Wulandari)
In the midst of increasingly-popular modern dances, traditional dances start to be forgotten. It is sad to see fewer people, especially the younger generation, know and are keen to enjoy traditional dances, such as classical Javanese dances. But nine wonderful ladies are determined to change that.
One of the incredible nine is Yusi Ariani, who initiated Purwakanthi, a community for classic Javanese dance enthusiasts who want to learn original Javanese dances intensively. I have a special attachment to Javanese dances, she said.
Yusi has been dancing since a young age. She first learned classical Javanese dance at the age of eight, as part of curriculum at her school in Semarang. She never stopped until high school, when she moved to Jakarta and could not find the right place to dance. The fact that she stopped dancing was heart-wrenching for her and the urge to start dancing again grew unbearable.
Purwakanthi on stage performing Gambyong Dance 2017 brilio.net/Retno Wulandari
Having to stop dancing made me sad. It felt like something was missing. But thank God I managed to start dancing again several years ago and it felt like I found myself again, Yusi recalled. In 2012, I met Mbak Martini (Purwakanthis dance coach) and in 2013 initiated Purwakanthi. I was on stage again and I thats how I rediscovered my life.
Purwakanthi made its debut on stage in 2013. At that time, there were only nine dancers, including Yusi. We started small and we were lucky to have Mbak Martini to teach us all we need to know about classical Javanese dance. That was four years ago, and before I know it, we have 75 members already by now, Yusi told Brilio. Currently we have performed 20 times, including twice at the International Dance Day commemorations. Currently, were preparing for a big event in 2018. Its amazing to know that I have so many new friends in such a short time.
Purwakanthi dancers. 2017 brilio.net/Retno Wulandari
Prior to Purwakanthi, Yusi and her friends used to perform in various dance events. But, according to her, dancing in such events has its downside: the dancers only dance based on the characters they played, without being taught the basic rules and the original dance form.
When I started Purwakanthi, I only hoped to be able to learn classical Javanese dances especially Surakartan with the correct form and rules, in accordance with ones performed in Keraton, she recalled. Each and every movement, even the smallest ones, in Javanese dances has its own meanings and rules. For example, why dancers eyes should be staring down in a certain angle, why our hands should move that way, stuff like that. Every dance also has its own characteristics. Like the dynamic Gambyong Dance, for example, should be performed with cheery behavior, with the smile on the face. Other traits apply for other dances.
Purwakanthi on stage performing Bedhayan Purwakanthi Dance. 2017 brilio.net/Retno Wulandari
Other than the chance to preserve classical Javanese Surakartan dance, one thing Yusi cherishes in Purwakanthi is the togetherness they share. In every rehearsal and performance, all dancers should move as one unit, dedicating their dances to themselves and the audience.
When dancing, you have to give up all ego. Its like the whole body is connected to the earth and you will only feel like 'I stand here, set my mind to move my body to dance' and that ego has no place, said Yusi.
She recalled a moment where she let her ego stepped in the way.
I danced and felt like I mastered this dance most. The coach got mad at me. She said, ojo ayu-ayuan dewe, ojo apik-apikan dewe, bagusmu itu digunakan untuk mengemong temen-temenmu! (Do not think that youre the most beautiful, the greatest dancer. (You should use) your skill to nurture your fellow dancers!). She stressed that we have to move together, to be great together.
Dancing in a group means youll have to keep your own ego below the surface. This will make you much more down-to-earth and humble. Thus, the outcome would be rather positive. Youll be better at handling yourself, she added.
Thats our value at Purwakanthi. As the name implies: purwa means the beginning and kanthi means to hold hands. So Purwakanthi means the beginning of togetherness.
Yusi also stressed that the most important part of being a dancer is to feel the urge to dance, and added that anyone feeling the need to dance is welcome in Purwakanthi.
You dont need to be a prodigy to join. Even if you cant dance, but want to dance, you should come, she said.
According to Yusi, there are certain levels every dancer should pass in Purwakanthi. Rookies will be taught and have to master Rantaya dance, the one with the basic Javanese dance movements. The next level is Bedhayan Purwakanthi, a dance choreographed by coach Martini Murti. After that theres Gambyong, and for the final level, there's the most complicated dance: an ancient Javanese ritual dance called Bedhaya.
Bedhaya came from the Keraton of Surakarta and Yogyakarta. We teach the Surakartan Bedhaya, and due to its complicated movements and strict rules, it needs a certain set of skills to tackle. But veterans, when they come to rehearse, have to practice Rantaya first before rehearsing Bedhaya or any other dance. So you cant say, Im already at Bedhaya. You need to remember every basic step, said Yusi.
The time required by a dancer to move up a level varies, and it all depends on the dancers themselves. Those who feel the need to dance, come regularly to rehearse, will make it faster.
The group rehearses regularly every Saturday or Sunday, at Balai Sarwono in Kemang, South Jakarta.
As our teacher always said, you must feel the need to dance, because it's one form of meditation, she said as she ended the conversation.
(brl/red)
