Aerli Rasinah: The new face of the Cirebon mask dance

Sun, 06/29/2008 10:56 AM  |  Lifestyle

Mimi Rasinah's granddaughter Aerli Rasinah (right) prays at Sunan Gunung Jati's tomb with her mother. Aerli has been given the responsibility to preserve the Cirebon mask dance. (Courtesy of Kamabudaya)

Wearing the red mask of Kelana, a character from the traditional Cirebon mask dance, 22-year-old Aerli Rasinah danced vigorously on stage. Stamping her foot and moving her shoulders and hands in time to the percussion, she looked like a brave warrior from a wayang story.

The granddaughter of maestro mask dancer, Mimi Rasinah, 78, had just received the mandate to continue the Cirebon mask dance tradition from Mimi herself.

On stage, in the courtyard of the 16th century Cirebon founder and Islam propagator Sunan Gunung Jati, witnessed by her pupils and hundreds in the audience, Rasinah bestowed her five masks and her blessings to Aerli.

Being born into a family of dancers, Aerli has taken on the great responsibility to preserve the tradition of dance.

"It's a heavy task. But I'll try my best," she said on the back stage, wiping off her sweat after dancing.

Rasinah inherited the skill to dance from her father Lastra. In 2005, she suffered a stroke and is now paralyzed on the left side of her body. She passed on the skills to her daughter and grandchildren.

"This will be my legacy before I die," Mimi said.

Aerli's mother, Waci, who has also mastered the Cirebon mask dance, said the family chose Aerli to take on Mimi Rasinah's responsibilities because Aerli was still young and had lots of time to develop the tradition in the future.

Mimi Rasinah gives her blessing to Aerli Rasinah to continue the tradition of the Cirebon mask dance. (Courtesy of Kamabudaya)

Aerli now studies dance at the Bandung Institute of Art. Aside from the responsibility of preserving the dance tradition, Aerli is also in charge of the five masks worn while dancing.

Even through her illness, Mimi "bathed" Samba Merah, a mask in her collection which is more than 100 years old. Every Thursday night, the mask is given special treatment, otherwise it will get "angry" and move of its own accord inside its closet, she said.

Aerli is now responsible for the ritual.

Aerli has not wasted time in continuing her grandmother's work. After receiving the legacy from Mimi, she will perform in Jakarta, Bandung and Yogyakarta this month.

She will also perform in July during a fundraising night to support the legacy of the Cirebon mask dance.

-- Prodita Sabarini

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