Jaipongan: Sejarah dan Gerak Dasar

Summary

In this video, Gugum Gembira, a renowned artist from Bandung, reflects on the origins and development of Jaipongan, a traditional Sundanese dance. He discusses his deep connection to the art form, starting from his childhood surrounded by traditional arts, to his education and exploration of various regional dance and music styles. Gugum emphasizes the cultural significance of Jaipongan and its evolution, showcasing how it incorporates local traditions into a modern artistic expression. His journey also touches on the challenges he faced with artistic censorship and his determination to create a dance that resonated with both local and global audiences.

Takeaways

• 😀 Gugum Gembira, a prominent figure from Bandung, Indonesia, shares his journey of creating Jaipongan dance and its roots in local traditions.
• 😀 Gugum was born and raised in a family surrounded by traditional arts, including wayang, sandiwara, silat, and tembang Sunda, influencing his artistic development.
• 😀 In his early life, Gugum was exposed to various art forms, and his passion for them led him to study them in depth, especially during his time in high school and university.
• 😀 He recalls the political restrictions during the 1960s under President Soekarno, which prohibited foreign music, dance, and art, prompting a return to regional cultural expressions.
• 😀 Gugum explored various traditional arts across West Java, including Ronggeng Gunung, Silat, and Ketuk Tilu, which inspired his work in Jaipongan dance.
• 😀 Through his studies and surveys of traditional arts, he concluded that West Java’s arts could be categorized into three main types: Dance, Tayub, Silat, and Ketuk Tilu.
• 😀 Jaipongan dance, an evolution of traditional West Java dance, began as a fusion of these regional dance styles, focusing on local ethnic roots while aiming for national recognition.
• 😀 Gugum's choreography, particularly the Ketuk Tilu dance, gained attention in Hong Kong before returning to West Java to be showcased in local cultural festivals.
• 😀 Despite initial resistance from other artists and critics, Gugum persisted in his innovation, eventually creating a new dance style under the name Jaipongan.
• 😀 He elaborates on the costumes used in Jaipongan dance, explaining their significance and connection to West Javanese culture, focusing on simplicity, elegance, and symbolism in the attire.

Q & A

What is Jaipongan and who created it?

Jaipongan is a traditional dance form created by Gugum Gembira Tirasjaya. It incorporates elements of regional arts from West Java and was developed into a modern performance art style.

What inspired Gugum Gembira to create Jaipongan?

Gugum Gembira was inspired by the traditional arts and cultural practices of West Java, which he experienced growing up in a family surrounded by artists. His love for local performing arts and regional music influenced his creation of Jaipongan.

How did Gugum Gembira’s upbringing influence his career in the arts?

Growing up in Bandung, surrounded by a family and community of artists, Gugum was exposed to various forms of traditional arts like wayang (puppet shows), sandiwara (theater), silat (martial arts), and tembang Sunda (Sundanese vocal music). This influenced his passion for regional arts and contributed to his artistic development.

What challenges did Gugum face during the political climate of the 1960s?

In the mid-1960s, President Soekarno imposed restrictions on foreign arts, including dance and music, which led to a cultural shift. Gugum Gembira, who had a deep interest in foreign music and dance, had to adapt by turning back to regional and traditional arts as a response to these restrictions.

What types of regional arts did Gugum study in his youth?

Gugum Gembira studied various regional arts including Ronggeng gunung (a traditional ritual dance from Ciamis), silat (martial arts), and tembang (Sundanese vocal music), traveling throughout Java to learn more about the local arts.

How did Gugum contribute to the promotion of West Javanese folk arts?

Gugum Gembira promoted West Javanese folk arts through his creation of Jaipongan, a fusion of various local traditions such as dance, music, and ritual. He took this art form to international platforms, including a performance in Hong Kong.

What were the key elements of Jaipongan as Gugum Gembira developed it?

Jaipongan incorporates traditional dance, music, and rhythms from West Java. It blends elements such as silat (martial arts), tayub (a type of dance), and ketuk tilu (traditional music) to create a dynamic and expressive performance style.

Why was Gugum advised to change the name of his creation from 'Ketuk Tilu'?

Gugum Gembira was advised to rename his creation because the name 'Ketuk Tilu' was still associated with a living community and a traditional art form. This advice led him to develop a new name for his dance style and refine it further.

What is the significance of the traditional costumes in Jaipongan performances?

The traditional costumes in Jaipongan are highly symbolic, reflecting regional identity and cultural values. They incorporate elements such as kebaya (traditional blouse), sinjang (batik cloth), and accessories like flowers, earrings, and makeup, which together represent the aesthetic beauty and cultural heritage of West Java.

How did Gugum Gembira’s Jaipongan evolve over time?

Jaipongan evolved as Gugum Gembira continued to refine it, adjusting elements such as music, choreography, and costumes. Over time, the dance became more recognized both within Indonesia and internationally, becoming an important part of West Javanese culture.