Regional Identity through Dance: Ethnic Symbolism in Piring and Bedhaya Dance Traditions

Abstract

Aims: This study aims to explore ethnic dance as a cultural product that collectively represents the identity of its originating ethnic community. The study is considered crucial because ethnic dance holds strong relevance in the formation of identity politics. Study Design: This study employs a qualitative method with an ethnochoreological approach, focusing on Piring and Bedhaya dances as collective representations of each ethnic community’s cultural identity. Place and Duration of Study: This study is non-field research that relies on literature study and the researcher’s lived experience as a dancer within the studied ethnic communities. Methodology: The literature study in this research involves a critical analysis of relevant documents, including journal articles, research reports, and books, primarily consisting of previous ethnographic accounts. The collected data are evaluated based on authenticity, accuracy, and contextual relevance to address the research questions and objectives. This approach is strengthened by the experience of two research team members who are also dancers from the Minangkabau and Javanese ethnic cultures under study. The team’s diverse cultural backgrounds significantly enrich the interpretative perspective and enhance the validity of the analysis throughout the research process. Results: The study of Piring and Bedhaya dances reveals that the distinctive characteristics shaped by creative and innovative processes within each cultural context establish ethnic dance as a powerful symbol of regional identity. Piring dance, as an artistic expression of the Minangkabau community shaped by Islamic religiosity, reflects its values through movement patterns and modest costume design. In contrast, Bedhaya embodies the Javanese worldview of cosmic balance and self-restraint through refined, slow movements and majestic, serene music. These dances differ not only in performative style but also in their representation of cultural values and paradigms, making them potent symbols of regional identity. Conclusion: Ethnic dance represents the cultural values, social systems, and paradigms of its community while also reflecting regional identity as a statement of behavior and culture. This study contributes to the discourse on cultural preservation and identity politics by demonstrating how traditional performances function as living cultural texts.