Bidu Dance, Traditional Dance From Belu NTT

Bidu Dance is a traditional dance from Belu, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). This dance is usually performed by some male dancers and female dancers with traditional dress and dancing with a very distinctive movement. Bidu dance is one of the traditional dances are quite famous in the Belu community. It is said that this dance was formerly used by the people there as a media search for a mate for young people.

History of Bidu Dance

According to some sources, this Bidu Dance is a traditional dance that comes from the traditional tradition of Belu society that has been handed down from generation to generation. This dance was formerly used by the people there as a medium for young people, especially for teenagers who have been sanctioned by their parents or are ready to be married to get to know each other and choose the mate they want.



In Belu people's tradition, there are several stages that must be done by the youth before marriage. First, for the young men who are ready to make arrangements and planning first, which is often called Hameno Bidu. Then the young men meet in a predetermined place and do Bidu Dance with the local audience, including their parents.



In the dance, the young men will dance one by one while choosing the women he likes. After the young man found his dream woman, then the young man marked the woman he chose. After they both agree, then proceed with the next process that is Hanimak. Hanimak itself is a process of ethical, romantic and weighty introduction by men and women with permission from their parents.



After finding a match, usually, they will both do Binor, which is a process of exchanging and storing their respective items such as cloth, clothes, betel, and others. Once the stage has passed, then both parties will meet each other and plan the procession of the proposal. In this proposal usually, the suitor will bring the goods called Mama Lulik. Then proceed with Mama Tebes, which is the stage of discussing their wedding plans.

Functions And Meaning Of Bidu Dance

As explained earlier, Bidu Dance is a traditional dance that serves as a medium for young people to get to know each other and also choose their soul mate. In the dance, the male and female dancers will dance with their respective moves that describe the charm that they have. So when determining the choice of a mate they can know which one is in accordance with the wishes of them.

Bidu Dance Show

Bidu dance will usually be performed by some female dancers and male dancers. The number of dancers usually consists of 8 (eight) or more female dancers and 1 to 2 male dancers. In the show will usually begin with a row of marching while dancing into an arena. Then some of the female dancers presented the betel and areca nut they had brought to watch that was considered honorable. After that they went back to dance.



In Bidu Dance usually movements of male and female dancers are different. The movements of female dancers are usually dominated by gentle hand movements and the movement of the street legs in place. In the dance movement Bidu usually also there is a weaving movement performed by the female dancers. these movements are packed into a gentle movement depicting the elegance of a woman.



While the male dancers will usually dance with a typical movement while circling the female dancer. It depicts male dancers when choosing the women they want. The movement of this male dancer is usually lebuh dominated by hand movements are stretched while doing a circular motion.

Bidu Dance Companion

In Bidu Dance performances, usually accompanied by the accompaniment of musical instruments such as Guitar, Violin, and Sasando. The rhythm of the music that is played is generally a fast-paced rhythm. Yet the accompaniment of this accompaniment is also aligned with the dancers' movements to look beautiful. In addition to musical accompaniment, in the dance performances are also accompanied by traditional songs from Belu.

Bidu Dance Costume

In the show, the dancers will use traditional clothing complete with accessories. The female dancers will usually use a long sarong from chest to toe. At the top of the body the dancers use a blanket. In addition, female dancers use various accessories such as necklaces, belts, headbands, and bracelets that are typical of Belu. As for male dancers will usually use long-sleeved shirts and cloth selampang top, sarong at the bottom and Belu's typical belt.

Development of Bidu Dance

Although classified as a long dance, Bidu Dance is still preserved and also maintained its existence. Bidu dance is not only known by the Belu people but also known in some areas in the middle of the central island (East Nusa Tenggara). In its development, Bidu Dance has also been developed into several types of Bidu Dance, with a variety of movement, presentation of dance, accompaniment, and also a slightly different costume but still retain its trademark.





Bidu dance is additionally displayed in the traditional event, Bidu Dance is also often displayed in various events such as welcoming, performing arts and cultural festivals. This is done in an effort to preserve and introduce to the younger generation as well as to the wider community of traditions and culture that they have.

Hudoq Dance, Traditional Dance From East Kalimantan

Hudoq Dance is one of the traditional dances originating from East Kalimantan. This dance uses a mask as the embodiment of ancestors, animals, and gods. This dance is usually performed at the opening of farmland or at the time after planting rice in the field. According to the Dayak beliefs, this dance is a ritual of the petition directed to God in order that their agricultural produce is given abundant results.



Hudoq Dance name itself is taken from the word hudoq which means incarnate. So in this dance, the dancers use the mask as the embodiment of an animal or pest that is considered damaging plants such as rodents, ravens, monkeys, pigs and other animals. In addition, there is also a mask that symbolizes the eagle is considered a protector and maintain the harvest of the Dayak people and there is also a human mask that is symbolized as the ancestors or their ancestors.



In the show, the dancers do not just use the mask. But the dancers also wear clothing made of bark decorated with green tassels made of banana leaves or coconut leaves. This dress symbolizes the leaves that are expected to continue to green in order for the plants they plant to flourish as expected. The mask they use is a mask made of wood with carvings and also different shapes according to the embodiment that wants to be displayed. Not to forget also, the head cover is decorated with the horned feather that has become characteristic and also has special meaning for the people of the Dayak tribe.



The movement shown in this dance is a blend of hand and foot movements. With the body upright the dancers move the body to the right and to the left in each step. The hand is swung up and down while tapping the thighs. Walking movements with the lift and jerked to the ground so that will cause a sound pounding. Movement headed just nodded, if the mouth on the mask can be moved then the mask can look like talking.



In this dance, the dancers move in a circle of rows. The dancers move from one angle to the other until the four corners are touched. Then the dancers will sit cross-legged with long lines and call the spirit. It was at that moment of spirit calling that the spirit began to possess them like possession. then the dancers will return to dance as before and after that, the dancers sit back. After that, the spirit that penetrates the dancers will come out of their bodies and also leave it.



In this hodoq dance show does look nuanced mystical. In the execution of the ritual, the handler or ceremonial leader will start with the mantra spell with the offerings that have been prepared. When the dancers sit in a march, then the handler sprinkles yellow rice on the head of the dancers as a sign of the commencement of the event after that the dancers will dance like the movement before with traditional Dayak music accompaniment. As the spirit enters the dancer's body, the handler then conveys the message to the spirits by reciting a mantra. The purpose of the mantra is to request that the spirit keep their plants and also protect the villagers. After the message is delivered, the handler will ask the spirit to return to their origin. This show can last for an hour or even up to a day.



Hudoq dance is one of the traditions of the Dayak tribe that looks thick nuance mystical. But this Hudoq Dance show can be a means of entertainment for the community when the celebration of planting rice or their customary event. Along with the development of the times, this dance is not only displayed in traditional ceremonies only. But it is also featured in various cultural celebrations of the people of East Kalimantan, as entertainment with various modifications as well as creativity in the show.