Wednesday, June 21, 2006 x 12:01:00 AM

I read an entry regarding Persada Juara Tari written by Kikir Putra. After commenting fairly regarding some of the choreographer’s work, he continued discussing about the argument between what is truly traditional and contemporary.

I guess in more ways than one I concur with what he has to say.

I believe ages ago, people of the Malay Archipelago knew nothing about the five malay dance basics or even Mak Inang Pulau Kapai or Serampang 12.

All they knew were the how nature works. Dance only came when they explored their bodies and moved according nature. They mimicked every animal they saw, they observed their lifestyles, they studied the earth and experience the wrath of Mother Nature.

Music came along in many forms. The sound of the sea, thunder, hitting tree logs, crickets… those were the first primitive music of the people.

When drum beats came through the introduction of Islam, they accompanied every beat… every melody with movement. Precise. Sharp.

Every night, after evening prayers… village folks gather in the village circle… attracted by the music. They danced. They move to the music. Laughter. Smiles. A way of life.

I don’t think they would bother if they should dance right. I don’t think if they would bother if they were suppose to dance according the five malay dance basics. All they would like to do is enjoy the music… and let the rhythm move their souls. An outer-body experience.

I do not really know how to judge if a dance piece is really contemporary or traditional. If Inang was revised and its dance movements aggressive… would it be contemporary? What if this revised inang becomes popular and continued and eventually replacing the old one… would it then become traditional?

Kikir Putra truly has a point. In fact what he says was what my Guru Tari said before to me…

“Hasn’t anyone realised that what's contemporary today might turn out to be traditional tomorrow?”…

Up to you.