Harmony in movement: Ceker Geger, choreographed by Kresna Kurnia Wijaya — a dynamic depiction of a cockfight tradition in Bali

The EKI Dance Company entertains its audience with a rich blend of modernity and tradition.

The Jakarta-based dance troupe, which has been around since 1996, hopes its regular performances this year will both entertain and educate its audience on what it means to remember one’s roots.

In a recent production called EKI Update V 1.0, the troupe presented new dances wrapped up in a variety show differing from their previous performances such as Madame Dasima, Gallery of Kisses or China Moon.

The first show, held on May 12 at Teater Kecil in Taman Ismail Marzuki, Central Jakarta, encompassed the theme of “EtnikKekinian: A Variety Show of Dances, Talks and Whatever” with Aiko Senosoenoto and Surya Setya Mulya as executive producers.

The audience enjoyed traditional songs and dances performed in refreshing ways that proudly reflected the country’s rich culture.

Face-off: Ceker Geger, choreographed by Kresna Kurnia Wijaya — a dynamic depiction of a cockfight tradition in Bali

As the lights dimmed, women dressed in immaculate Javanese costumes graced the stage to introduce a short interpretation of an original two-hour dance. Hypnotic and serene, the articulate movements were accompanied by soft gamelan arrangements and captivating vocals by a Javanese traditional singer, or sinden.

Inspired by dancers from the royal palaces of Yogyakarta and Surakarta in Central Java, Windu Mataya dance portrayed the sacred beauty of ritualized dance.

The performance was not about modernizing ethnic dances, but bridging these aspects together to be accepted by the younger generation, senior choreographer Rusdy Rukmarata said.

“The dance contains a thick ethnic flavor, but with a touch of modern presentation. It can thus be enjoyed by young urban people who may be more influenced by foreign cultures rather than their own,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Opposites Attract dance told the story of married lovers of Javanese and Chinese descent that has various implications today, conveying that every art form has a message.

Choreographed by Siswanto “Kojack” Kodrata, this dance embraced the diversity of ethnicities in Indonesia. “I know that there are repercussions behind a relationship like this, but sometimes love can prevail,” he said.

Meanwhile, The Last Bow by Takako Leen portrayed the final respects of a senior geisha, passing on her duties to a younger apprentice, Maiko.

The audience also got a glimpse of Dayak culture with Enggang Genit by Yuliani Ho Pranoto. It showcased several enggang birds or hornbills characterized by their bright sturdy beak and signature casques. A hunter lures them into his trap, yet enthralled by their beauty, he decides to set them free, a reminder of the need for environmental respect and protection.

From Kalimantan, we were transferred to Bali as young choreographer Kresna Kurnia Wijaya depicted cockfighting through two female dancers with Ceker Geger, highlighting the progress of women in many aspects of society today.

The posture of a woman best embodied this vibrant dance as imitating the birds’ movements was a challenge, Kresna said.

“I noticed that a man couldn’t quite achieve certain stances like this, while a woman is more flexible,” he said, standing up to show a particular pose.

“Plus, their gaze can be so sharp!” he added.

Likewise, Bala Turangga from Central Java by Rusdy Rukmarata re-introduced the elegant Bhayangkari, an all-female group of horse riders during the Majapahit era.

Other forms of modernity brought together Balinese dance and a cabaret called Kabaret Baliano. Meanwhile, a very strong representation of the combination of modern and ethnic life was a choir performance by Yamko Rambe Yamko from Papua and Justin Bieber’s popular song “Sorry”.

Besides presenting the dance performances, EKI Update 1.0 is slipping in light chitchat with founder of the Twilite Orchestra Addie MS, fashion designer and founder of Postour & Co. Luwi Saluadji, a brief theatrical show and fascinating discussions.

— Photos Courtesy of Eksotika Karmawibangga Indonesia (EKI)

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