Page 33 - JaKita 11th Edition 2021

ART & CULTURE 33

Adapts the Moves of Silat Martial Art but it has undirected movements combined
with beautiful dance moves and the men who
Wan Rohman explained that the moves of perform rebana will do shalawat and dzikr,” he
Blenggo dance adapts the moves of silat explained.
(Indonesian martial art) combined with
beautiful moves following the rebana music. Blenggo dance is often performed in Betawi
There are no standard movements in Blenggo. traditional marriage, for the doorstop dancing
Hence, the moves will always be different when in which they welcome important guests. The
performed by each dancer. It will depend on the performance will be accompanied with the
skill of the dancer himself. reading of salawat, singing Islamic songs and
also Betawi songs, such as Anak Ayam, Sangrah,
Nevertheless, the dance has four primary Sirih Kuning, Jali-Jali and Ondel-Ondel.
movements, which are the salam (greeting
moves), bend down moves, whirl and closing The dance of Blenggo Rebana will be performed
greeting. Each of the moves has its own by a man who bend his body and legs—a
meaning. For example, the opening salam gesture that holds meaning that we should
represents salvation, peace, serenity and safety. always be humble and polite, not arrogant. The
The movement is done by bending forward clothes for Blenggo dance would usually be a
half the body like when you do rukuk in salat, white gamis (Muslim robes), Takwa clothes or
with your palms aligned as a symbol of salam. a suit. The Betawi’s poleng sarung will also be
Bending down the body represents the symbol worn on the shoulder. On the head, they usually
of modesty. wear peci (cap) that is black, red or white as
for hajj. Sometimes they use belt, too, to hold
Wan Rohman emphasized the Blenggo dance the stomach area while doing the silat dance
is different from silat. “This Blenggo dance part. So, who is interested in learning Blenggo
has half of silat moves since it adapts them, dance? sya

Wan Rohman, the
fourth-generation
man who pre-
served Blenggo
Dance, a Betawi
traditional art
which adapts the
silat martial art
moves combined
with beautiful
moves following
the rebana music.
Credit
Dharma W.

11th EDITION 2021
Sarana Informasi Pemerintah Provinsi DKI Jakarta