ARTS AND CULTURE INFORMATION GATEWAY
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TARIAN JOGET MELAKA
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Introduction and history
Joget Dance is believed to have historical roots closely tied to Portuguese dances brought to Melaka in the 16th century during the Portuguese colonization. Known by various names such as "joget" or "joget Melayu," it is said to have been influenced by Portuguese folk dances and later developed with local characteristics.
Melaka, as an important port in Southeast Asia, was a meeting point for various cultures and peoples, including Malays, Portuguese, Arabs, Indians, and Chinese. This cultural exchange produced a blend of artistic elements evident in various art forms, including dance. As a result, Joget in Melaka evolved with Portuguese cultural influences, which were then combined with traditional Malay elements.
The function and role of Joget Dance in Melaka are significant in cultural, social, and artistic contexts. This dance not only serves as a form of entertainment but also plays a greater role in preserving cultural heritage, strengthening community identity, and fostering social unity. Below is an explanation of the functions and roles of Joget Dance in Melaka:
1. Preservation of Cultural Heritage
o Joget Dance in Melaka is one of the important cultural heritage forms for the Malay community in Melaka and Malaysia. It plays a key role in preserving and passing down the tradition of Malay dance to younger generations. Through this dance, historical cultural elements such as music, attire, and dance movements are maintained and protected from being forgotten over time.
2. Strengthening Cultural Identity
o As one of the traditional dances originating from Melaka, Joget serves as a symbol of the cultural identity of the Melaka community. The dance reflects the influence of various cultures in Melaka, such as Malay, Portuguese, and Chinese, forming a society rich in culture and tradition. The dance embodies a sense of belonging and unity among Melaka's diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
3. Social and Community Unity
o Joget Dance in Melaka functions as a tool to strengthen social bonds among individuals in the community. It is often performed at various social events such as weddings, festivals, and gatherings. The dance fosters a spirit of unity and harmony within the community as it involves cooperation among dancers, musicians, and audiences. Through the performance of this dance, communities can come together, interact, and share joy.
4. Entertainment and Recreation
o The primary function of Joget Dance in Melaka is entertainment. The lively dance movements and cheerful music provide enjoyment to the audience. This dance is often performed at celebratory events and social gatherings, creating an atmosphere of joy and excitement for all present. With its energetic movements, the dance also provides an opportunity for both dancers and audiences to have fun and enjoy their time together.
The dancers' costumes are simple yet elegant:
• For Men: A full set of traditional baju Melayu, complete with a songkok (Malay traditional hat) and samping (waistcloth).
• For Women: A long kebaya (traditional blouse) paired with a bun or flowers on the head.
• The colors of the men's and women's outfits are usually coordinated to create harmony and enhance the artistry of the Joget performance.
Joget Dance in Melaka is typically accompanied by lively and energetic music, enhanced by the use of certain instruments and props to enrich the audience's experience. Music is a core component of Joget Dance, playing a crucial role in providing the rhythm that guides the dancers' movements. Traditional musical instruments used include:
1. Gendang (Drum):
o Function:
The gendang is the primary instrument used to accompany Joget Dance. It plays a crucial role in setting the tempo and rhythm of the dance. Large or small drums are used to produce strong, deep sounds that energize the performance.
2. Gambus (Lute):
o Function:
The gambus is a stringed instrument often used in traditional Malay music. It provides melodic and harmonious tones that enrich the dance performance.
3. Tabla (or Rebana):
o Function:
Tabla or rebana (a type of traditional drum) provides a strong and fast rhythm, matching the energetic tempo of Joget Dance.
In Joget Dance, footwork is more important than hand movements. The dance tempo is generally in 2/4 time for moderate steps and 3/8 time for faster movements. Joget is performed as a social dance in groups comprising elders, youth, men, and women, typically in pairs. Individuals dancing are said to be "joget" or "bertandak," while the accompanying musicians are referred to as "pencak joget."
During festive celebrations, male dancers invite or "call upon" female dancers to joget with them. In stage performances, however, there are usually 3 or 4 pairs of Joget dancers performing together in one presentation.
The lively rhythm and engaging movements of Joget make it a vibrant cultural performance, reflecting the joyous and celebratory spirit of the community.
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Reference Source
i. Bahan Bacaan
Haslina, Z. (2016). "Kepelbagaian Budaya dalam Tarian Joget Melaka." Jurnal Seni dan Budaya, 25(1), 42-56.
Kamarul, I. (2017). "Fungsi dan Peranan Tarian Joget dalam Acara Sosial di Melaka." Jurnal Kebudayaan dan Kesenian, 10(2), 112-128.
Melaka Cultural Foundation. (2018). The Role of Traditional Dances in Preserving Melakan Culture. Melaka: Melaka Cultural Foundation.
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