Bandung, IndonesiaSentinel.com — Tari Topeng, a traditional dance that captivates people with its enchanting story conveyed through movements full of meaning. It is named “Tari Topeng” or “Masked Dance” because it is performed by dancers who wear masks, symbolize various human characters and traits. The dance is one of the most captivating traditional performances in the Cirebon region, West Java.
This masked dance has numerous variations, each with unique movements and stories. It can be performed as a solo dance or by a group of dancers, depending on the narrative being conveyed. One of the most renowned variations is the “Tari Topeng Kelana Kencana Wungu,” a Parahyangan-style dance that tells the tale of Queen Kencana Wungu being pursued by the infatuated King Menak Jingga.
In this dance, the blue mask worn by Kencana Wungu represents her agile yet graceful character. Meanwhile, Menak Jingga, also known as Kelana, was wearing a red mask, symbolizing his fiery, impatient, and temperamental nature. The elegant hand and body movements, accompanied by music dominated by the kendang (traditional drum) and rebab (stringed instrument), are signature elements of this traditional dance.
The Leak Bali, Through Mythology and Mystical History of the God’s Island
Despite the passage of time, Tari Topeng remains a vibrant part of cultural education, especially in Sanggar Tari, or traditional dance studio. The dance is also frequently performed at official regional events and traditional ceremonies.
One such studio is the Sanggar Tari Mimi Rasinah, located in Pekandangan Village, Indramayu. The studio is named after Mimi Rasinah, a master of Tari Topeng who continued to dance and teach until her passing, despite being paralyzed for 4 years.
Through studios like Sanggar Tari Mimi Rasinah, the cultural legacy of Tari Topeng Cirebon is preserved and passed on to the next generations, ensuring that this art form continues to thrive.
(Raidi/Agung)
