Our Dance styles

Suara Indonesia Dance performs many styles of Indonesian traditional and contemporary choreography from across the archipelago.

Our choreographer, Murtala, is a custodian of cultural knowledge handed down from Acehnese master practitioners. Murtala and Alfira have also trained extensively with dance masters across Indonesia. The dancers are trained in specific dance forms from across the country that reflects the diversity of the archipelago.

Our work is rooted in a deep respect for the traditions we are privileged to hand on, and an open collaborative spirit looking to innovate and explore new contemporary forms of expression.

ACEH

Dances: Ratoh Duek, Likok Pulo, Rateb Meseukat, Ratoh Bantai, Seudati, Tari Pukat, Tari Ranup Lampuan, Rapai Geleng

Map showing countries of Southeast Asia, focused on Indonesia, with Aceh circled in the top north-west part of the country.

WEST SUMATRA

Dances: Tari Payung, Tari Piring, Pencak silat, Randai

SUMATRA

Dances: Tari Melayu, Tari Zapin, Serampang dua-belas

Map showing countries of Southeast Asia, focused on Indonesia, with West Sumatra circled in the western part of the country.

WEST JAVA

Dances from the Sunda culture of West Java including: Tari Bajidor Kahot, Kembang Tanjung, Jaipongan and Topeng Indramayu, Cirebon

JAVA

Dances: Tari Gambyong, Tari Yapong, Tari Banyumasan, Tari Topeng, Tari Beskalen.

JAKARTA

Dances from the Betawi culture of Jakarta including; Kang Aji, Tari Ronggeng Blantek

Map showing countries of Southeast Asia, focused on Indonesia, with Java circled in the central part of the country.

BALI

Dances: Tari Pendet, Panji Semirang, Legong and Puspanjali.

Map showing countries of Southeast Asia, focused on Indonesia, with the island of Bali circled in the eastern part of the country.

Popular Styles

Ratoh Duek

Sitting body percussion dances from Aceh. These dances encompass intricate pattern making with your hands accompanied by traditional devotional songs. Rhythms are made through clapping, hitting the upper body, legs and voice. The movements are communal, fun and rhythmically satisfying.

These dances have become popular in Jakarta and overseas. Individuals feel like they belong within a group and through shared action the group feels like a community, creating self-esteem and confidence.

We perform and teach Ratoh Duek in small groups and at a massive scale, such as with Gondwana choirs.

Ratoh Duek is a popular choice for schools. Teachers are encouraged to learn these dances with the students and incorporate them in class.

Children dressed in traditional Indonesian costumes, with pink and green outfits, wearing black headscarves, sitting on the floor and dancing

Randai

Randai is a form of traditional theatre from West Sumatra using Galembong pants, where a fusion of rhythm and sound is created by hitting the big pants.

Highly energetic and entertaining to watch and perform, Randai is a particular favourite with all ages.

During workshops, students take turns in wearing the galembong pants for Randai, creating rhythmic patterns together and learning basic pencak silat (martial arts) from West Sumatra.

People performing a randai dance on a wooden floor indoors with a patterned wall and window in the background.

Topeng, Hip-Hop Popping

These dances are a reflection of new choreography with elements of traditional movements drawn from Tari Topeng (mask dance).