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Tom Ibnur - Believing in Dance
In the dance world, Tom Ibnur is a maestro
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In the dance world, Tom Ibnur is a maestro.
Arison Ibnur Ibrahim — popularly known as Tom Ibnur — is renowned as the country’s leading dancer and choreographer, but he is also a researcher, teacher and artistic consultant.
Dancing since the age of 5, the man, who was born in the West Sumatra capital of Padang, has created more than 300 dances, including some award-winning pieces.
“I don’t know exactly why I was so interested in dancing, only that it instantly brings me pleasure and joy,” said the 64-year-old, who has performed in many festivals, both here and abroad.
On Nov. 23 and 24, the Jakarta Arts Council is scheduled to hold Telisik Tari — an event dedicated to Malay dance. Malay-themed activities — from performances, to workshops, an exhibition and culinary offerings — will be presented during the event, with the main highlight being performances by Tom Ibnur.
“Jakarta is inseparable from the Arabic, Chinese and Malay cultures. Malay is falling behind, but now is the right time to perform and introduce it widely,” he said.
His interest in pursuing his passion for the arts was not backed by his parents.
“Art is only a toy, a hobby. How can you make money if you are an artist?” he recalled his parent’s words when, as a teenager, he expressed his interest in studying at the Jakarta Arts Education Institute, now known as the Jakarta Arts Institute (IKJ).
At that time, Tom obeyed his parents’ wish for him to pursue a “normal” education, continuing his high school studies focused on chemistry analysis in Padang and later attending the Industrial Technology Academy. He even worked as a chemical analyst at a cement factory for six years.
“I consider it as part of my dedication to my parents. I have no regrets at all,” said Tom.
At the age of 27, he fulfilled his intention to study arts.
“At that time, I spent time just hanging around, with no place to live or work while studying at IKJ. But this was my choice, I really enjoyed it. It was a dream that became a reality.”
His commitment as an artist was already embedded, so it was not easily shaken. Like most children in Padang, Tom was already familiar with martial arts and dancing.
His dance teacher paid him attention, which motivated him to take part in many dance festivals.
In 1963, he won first place in the first West Sumatra Dance, Sports and Religion Festival. Since then, there has been no stopping him.
Entering the institute, he widened his activities to include choreography and research. He toured Indonesia, studying and researching a number of traditional dances in Indonesia.
He is very fluent in discussing traditional dance, both its historical and contemporary developments.
“Learning is not just dancing, or just research alone, it’s more how we and art can be united, supporting each other,” said Tom, who was dean of IKJ’s performing arts school from 1988 to 1991.
He also learned from a number of dance maestros, one of whom was the late Gusmiati Suid.
As a choreographer and dancer, he is equally productive.
“I feel satisfied when, as a dancer, I successfully translate the choreographer’s will to deliver a message and sense through movement, while as a choreographer I learn a lot about the importance of collaboration in the creation process,” said Tom, who is also director of Langkan Budaya Taratak, a nonprofit organization that works to promote art and culture.
Viewing the Indonesian dance world today, he sees various developments experienced by traditional, as well as modern and contemporary, dances.
“Many say traditional dances have died, but I believe there will always be someone who will develop, create and revive them, as seen with the Telisik Tari event. It will be entertaining, introducing Malay dance with all its charms to the public today.”
He said reinventing Malay as the cultural roots of Jakarta’s present society was very important.
He said there was no need to feel discouraged if traditional dances were often left out by society. “We must continue, run, if necessary, fly. Do not give up,” he said.
— Photo courtesy of Tom Ibnur/Gigih Lazuardi Ibnur
