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Topeng Ireng dance showcased in Moscow
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Topeng Ireng dance from Mount Merbabu slope in Central Java enliven Grebeg Sudiro in Surakarta on Jan. 22, 2017.
(JP/Ganug Nugroho Adi)
O
riginating from the slopes of Mount Merapi, otherwise known as the Boyolali regency of Central Java, the traditional Topeng Ireng dance astonished audiences at Festival Indonesia Moscow 2017 in Moscow, Russia, on Sunday night.
Performed by 16 of the student ambassadors of Boyolali arts and culture, their synchronized movements amazed the people of Moscow as they graced the stage with their traditional outfit, head gear and face paint, reported Antara news agency.
Before the performance came to an end, the dancers even invited a few members of the audience to come and dance along with them, engaging the people of Moscow in the Boyolali culture.
Read also: Bedhaya Ketawang: A sacred dance from the sky
“We hope that through this traditional dance, Boyolali may be better known internationally. Before this, we have also sent our student ambassadors of Boyolali arts and culture to countries across Europe, [as well as] Japan, China, Hong Kong,” said Widodo Munif, leader of the student ambassadors of Boyolali arts and culture.
Munif says the team would also perform the Sekar Merapi dance, Turionggo Seto dance, Tembaga dance, Bedayan dance, Tetayuban dance, Wanara dance, as well as the ethnic music Ellegro Sanaparane at the Festival Indonesia Moscow 2017; all of which represents Boyolali culture.
“I am proud to have been able to introduce Boyolali culture to the international scene, and this has been a valuable experience,” said Chintia Kusuma Dewi, a 12th grader at state high school SMAN 3 Boyolali who was able to proudly represent her hometown and perform in Russia as one of the student ambassadors of Boyolali arts and culture. (tha/kes)
