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Acknowledging millennials in EKI Update 3.0
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Dancers from the Eksotika Karmawibhangga Indonesia (EKI) Dance Company show their dance movements during a rehearsal of EKI Update 3.0, scheduled to be held from Nov. 28 to 30 at the Jakarta Art Building in Central Jakarta. They will also collaborate with students from the Foundation for the Rehabilitation of Disabled Children (YPAC) Jakarta. (JP/Wienda Parwitasari)
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ollowing the success of the Eksotika Karmawibhangga Indonesia (EKI) Update 1.0, 2.0 and 2.1 art performances, the EKI Dance Company is set to come back with their EKI Update 3.0, which will be held over three days, from Nov. 28 to 30 at the Jakarta Art Building in Central Jakarta.
In this year’s performance, the dance company will collaborate with the Foundation for the Rehabilitation of Disabled Children (YPAC) Jakarta. Some students from the foundation will appear on stage accompanied by members of EKI Sound Machine, the dance company’s choir team.
EKI Update 3.0 is presented in a variety show format, consisting of dance routines, a talk show, a mini-musical, a choir and a short film. Using #LyfeKidsJamanNow as its theme, the performance highlights the diversity of millennials. It celebrates not only millennials’ creativity but also discusses other issues, such as the diaspora.
Aiko Senosoenoto, one of the founders of EKI Dance Company in 1996, explained that millennials exists thanks to previous generations and that these children will be the ones who lead the future. “In order to understand them, it’s not enough just to see them from the outside or judge them without getting into [their circle and] feeling the atmosphere,” said Aiko.
Read also: Over 3,000 people dance at Indonesia Menari 2017
The dance company itself has experienced some challenges regarding their collaboration with students from YPAC Jakarta. Aside from the training process, which took two months, there are only a few dance numbers that were designed for disabled people.
“We had to start from zero — we began creating our own choreography by considering their physical limitations,” said Surya Setya Mulya, the dance company’s general manager and one of the show’s executive producers. “But the most important thing is the stigma when it comes to interacting with special needs people […] They have limitations, but it doesn’t mean they have to be treated differently.”
YPAC Jakarta head Purnamawati Muki Reksoprodjo said her students were really excited to be part of the show. “I always ask their parents [about the students] and they feel happy and appreciated. This activity makes them more passionate,” explained Muki.
Held since 2016, the biannual art performance became the EKI Dance Company’s way to involve senior and younger choreographers as well as dancers to participate.
Those who want to attend the show can visit EKI Dance Company’s official website for more information. Ticket prices start at Rp 150,000 ($11). The net proceeds from ticket purchases will be donated to YPAC Jakarta. (asw)
