Silat Foundations in the Creation of the Minang Dance ‘Balega Di Tanah Manang’ (Rotation Around the Land of Conquest)

Abstract

This research was funded by the Directorate for Research and Community Service, Directorate General forResearch and Development, Ministry of Research, Technology, and Higher Education.

Abstract

‘Balega in Tanah Manang,' meaning the "Rotation Around the Land of Conquest" in the Minang language of West Sumatra, is a dance piece that was created through the combined use of pancak movements (based in the Minangkabau martial art form pencaksilat) and dance movements and new techniques beyond pancak. This phenomena in Minangkabau dance is possible because pancak, typically the playful performance by men in both local and regional spaces, forms the principle foundation for the dance.Through this collaborative effort, pancakis transformed to become a dance performing art form that isengages with women as its dancers, choreographers, and participants of dance activities.Silat is the oldest martial arts form in the Minangkabau region of Indonesia’s West Sumatra. Each region within the Minangkabau area has its own silat movements, with fundamental differences. In general, there are two forms of traditional silat,kudo-kudo and pitunggua, that are very different. Silat is less associated withkudo-kudo; pitunggua is better known.Pitunggua shows a loose foot position, one in which you can easily take a step forward. A silat practitioner must know garak garik, raso pareso, mailak, gelek, pandang, kutiko. Garak means large movements. Garik means small movements. Lantakin motion means to avoid using gelek.The 'Balega di Tanah Manang' dance piece (Rotation Around The Land of Conquest) begins with the Minang philosophy of alam takambang jadi guru. Nature serves as the teachings of and a viewpoint on life that guide human interactions, actions, and behavior. In Minangkabau culture too, they make all forms of adverbs based on life that exists in the universe. This is then used to make customary rules, laws, and provisions. They apply all of this in their daily lives. That is what is called Minangkabau teachings.

Keywords: silat, dance, Minangkabau, andphilosophy

Publication date: December 31^st 2019

DOI: 10.7176/ADS/79-01

Publication date: December 31^st 2019