Preserving traditional dance in Surakarta
A festival aimed at preserving Surakarta's traditional culture of Mangkunegaran, especially its traditional dances, was held at Pendopo Pura Mangkunegaran, Surakarta, on May 9.
Held for the second time, the Mangkunegaran Performing Arts 2014 showcased Surakarta's signature dances from Soerya Soemirat GPH Herwasto Kusumo Dance Company.
The dancers were various ages, but equally gave excellent performances.
According to Surakarta Tourism Department head Eny Tyasni, all the dances were created by Mangkunegaran royal Kanjeng Gusti Pangeran Arya Adipati (KGPAA) Mangkunegoro VII and had deep meaning through their movements.
The Gambyong Retno Kusumo dance, for example, tells a story of a coming of age of a princess who elegantly dances to welcome royal guests during a formal event in the palace.
The word “retno” means “gold”, while “kusumo” means “flowers” - thus the dance is meant to show a princess whose beauty is blossoming like a flower and is glowingly radiant like gold.
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