Srimpi

The elegant dance of Srimpi.
Srimpi Dhempel.

The Srimpi (also written as Serimpi) is a ritualized dance of Java, Indonesia, associated with the royal palaces of Yogyakarta and Surakarta. The srimpi dance is one of the classical dance of Central Java.[1][2]Along with the bedhaya, srimpi epitomized the elegance (alus) character of the royal Javanese court, and the dance became a symbol of the ruler's power as well as the refinement of Javanese culture.

Form and movement

"Serimpi" dancers of the Regent of Bandung (circa 1864)

The srimpi dance usually performed by four female dancers, however other numbers such as two, six or eight dancers is also possible, depends to the type of srimpi being performed. Similarity in looks, height and body type among dancers is preferred to achieve better aesthetic. Srimpi demonstrate soft and slow movements and a highly stylized hands positions, stances and body poses with graceful movement to describes modesty, refinement, beauty and grace. The dancer moves slowly accompanied with serene gamelan music.[3][4]

The srimpi dances, being less sacred in nature than bedhaya dances, are much better known and often performed, not only in the two Keratons, but also outside the courts for ceremonies and festivals of common Javanese people. Up until today, the srimpi dances still being the part of court ceremonies, as princesses routinely rehearse various types of serimpi dances in pendopo pavilion within the palace.

Notes

  1. Hartati, Sri. Seri Panduan Belajar dan Evaluasi Ilmu Pengetahuan Sosial. Jakarta: Grasindo. p. 30.
  2. A.M. Munardi, dkk (2002). Indonesian Heritage:Seni Pertunjukkan. Jakarta: Buku Antar Bangsa Terjemahan Karsono. pp. 76–77. External link in |publisher= (help)
  3. Murtono, Sri (2007). Seni Budaya dan Keterampilan (2nd ed.). Jakarta: Yudhistira. p. 51.
  4. Paradisa, Gendhis (2009). Ensiklopedia Seni dan Budaya Nusantara (2nd ed.). Jakarta: PT Kawan Pustaka. p. 56.

References

Further reading

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