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Cokek dance is a traditional dance that comes from Betawi culture. Apart from Betawi, this dance is also often found in Tangerang area. Because this dance is the result of friction between Betawi culture, Banten, and China. Cokek dance has existed since the 19th century in Teluknaga area, Tangerang brought by a Chinese merchant named Tan Sio Kek.
The Chinese merchant also carries the Rebab Dua Dawai musical instrument, which is then collaborated with local musical instruments, such as flute, kempul, gong, kecrek, and kendang. The melody of the Chinese mainland and Tangerang traditions is called Gambang Kromong.
Early emergence, Cokek Dance is played by three female dancers. Now, the Cokek dance show is often played by five female dancers and some males as musicians who partly accompany this female dance. A scarf tied around the waist of a female dancer is one of the main clothing ornaments of women dancers combined with striking kebaya colors. This scarf is named cokek.
At first glance, this Cokek Dance is similar to Sintren dance from Cirebon or Ronggeng in Central Java, where the dancers have the authority to invite the audience to join the dance. However, one interesting part of the Cokek Dance is the musical accompaniment of Gambang Kromong.
Currently, Cokek Dance is rarely performed in the Betawi area. But in the area of Benteng, Tangerang, Cokek Dance is still to be found if there are people who hold a party. The cokek dance will generally be placed at the beginning of the series of events. If the Cokek show is held for weddings, then Cokek dancers will usually invite the groom or some of the invited guests to dance together. Whereas if held to welcome the guest of honor, then the local officials and guest of honor that's who will get the first chance to dance with the Cokek dancers.
The invitation sign of the dancer is a shawl that is worn around the neck of the guests. People assume, if a shawl of the dancers Cokek has been denied, then the abstinence for the guest or anyone to reject it. Rejection is believed to defame their own good name. Generally, guests are the ones who will dance with the Cokek dancers until the Cokek dance performances are over.