This year, the annual event took place in in four locations, namely Grand Indonesia shopping mall in Central Jakarta; The Park Mall Solo in Surakarta, Central Java; 23 Paskal Shopping Center in Bandung, West Java; and the newly-opened Taman Indonesia Kaya in Semarang, Central Java.

When the clock struck 1 p.m., participants danced to a compilation of four traditional tracks, comprising soleramfrom Riau, ampar ampar pisangfrom South Kalimantan, cublak cublak suweng from Central Java and yamko rambe yamko from Papua, arranged by musician Pongky Prasetyo.  

In regard to the dance, the moves were choreographed by dance teacher/choreographer Ufa Sofura. Ufa, who also took part in the event at Grand Indonesia, said in a statement that she combined the traditional and modern moves for this year’s choreography.  

Prior to the event, a tutorial video was uploaded onto YouTube, allowing participants to learn about it online.

Read also: Over 3,000 people dance at Indonesia Menari 2017

Eno Rahayu, 17, was among participants of 2018 Indonesia Menari. Having traveled from from Ciledug, Tangerang, Banten, to Grand Indonesia, Eno told The Jakarta Post that it was not her first time participating in the event.

Eno said regarding the choreography, the dance moves were easier compared to the previous year.

Meanwhile, Dhiyaa Fathya Aisyah Rahmah, 15, also shared that it only took her around two weeks to learn the choreography as the video explained the moves in details.

First held in 2012, Indonesia Menari was initiated by Galeri Indonesia Kaya from the Bakti Budaya Djarum Foundation. In addition to bringing people, dance and traditional music together, the event also offers prizes that can be used by participants to fund their dance groups. (wng)