Exploring the Spiritual Depth of Bedhaya Saptasrawana

The Bedhaya Saptasrawana dance carried on the theme “Spiritual Harmony in the Perfection of Life.” It explored the deep philosophical concepts of Saptasrawana (seven sacred hearings) and Papat Kiblat (four cardinal directions of life). These profound elements intertwined within the spiritual awareness of humanity.

Through this performance, BKKT UNS presented a modern interpretation, enhancing the dance’s traditional significance. Featuring 11 dancers, the performance drew attention to the artistic and spiritual nature of Indonesian traditional dance.

Creative Contributions to the Performance

According to BKKT UNS Public Relations Officer, Najwa Annastya Pramesti, Bedhaya Saptasrawana was an original choreographed piece. It is the result of intense internal collaboration. The performance featured 11 talented dancers. They included Hellen Vicky Monalisa, Nikmatull Tsalasa Putri, and Nita Kusuma Putri. Other dancers were Nita Sri Widayati, Valerina Siska Megarantantri, and Fahma Wijaya Sukma. Masinda Nahar Kanaya, Angela Gysca Ariella, and Mahiswari Adya Mumpuni also joined the performance. Iodesma I. S. Pamulatsih and Derren Romentiska Asmara Khrisna completed the lineup. The performers wore elegant costumes. The 21 young UNS musicians played traditional gamelan music. Together, they created an atmosphere that was both mystical and emotionally engaging.

The dancers and musicians were not the only contributors to the performance. Choreographers Aline Dwi Putri Agnesia, Azzahra Rasdyan Eka Putri, and Stefani Ayudya Prasetyo contributed to the performance’s success. Their creative efforts played a key role in its success. The musical arrangement by Maritza Novalina Kusuma Wardhani, Raysandy Satrio Wicaksono, and Muhamad Davi Andang Pragama enriched the piece. It enhanced the spiritual tone of the performance. The lighting design by Vadya Sulistyo played a vital role in enhancing the overall presentation. Stage management by Hafshoh Sri Lestari and Muhammad Ammar Azfa also contributed to the performance’s success.

Celebrating Cultural Heritage

Expressing pride in BKKT UNS’s participation, Najwa emphasized the importance of traditional arts in preserving Indonesia’s cultural heritage. She shared, “We are truly honored to perform at ISI Surakarta’s 24-Hour Dance. This event provides an excellent platform for self-expression. It is also an opportunity to introduce and preserve traditional arts for a broader audience.”

This year, the 19th World Dance Day 24-Hour Dance carried the theme “Land of Thousand Kingdoms.” It highlighted the rich cultural heritage, history, and royal legacies of the archipelago. The event served as a collective celebration of the nation’s diverse ethnic groups, customs, and traditions. It performed artistic expressions as a unifying force for Indonesia. Humas UNS

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The event featured a diverse array of performances. It opened with a traditional dance performance titled Roro Ngigel, presented by students from the Traditional Arts Coordination Board (BKKT) at UNS. After welcoming remarks from university leaders and CI UNS representatives, the celebration continued with performances from the top three finalists of the Mandarin Song Singing Competition, chosen in earlier rounds. As a gesture of appreciation, prizes and certificates were awarded to the winners by Prof. Dr. Ir. Ahmad Yunus, M.S., the Head of the Confucius Institute at UNS.

A Chinese Calligraphy Demonstration

Additionally, the celebration also included a live Chinese calligraphy (Shufa) demonstration by 王先进 Wang Xiānjìn (Wang Sien Tjin), a Shufa expert from Bina Widya Solo Trilingual School. The demonstration was accompanied by the soothing sounds of the traditional Chinese instrument, the Guzheng, played by Ma Xiao Cheng, a native of China.

“Shufa is not just beautiful brush strokes; it’s full of meaning,” Wang Sien Tjin explained before starting the painting. “Without meaning, it would be mere decorative patterns. Shufa is far more than that.”

Dance Performances and Cultural Exhibitions

The celebration continued with performances by Aurenix, a dance group from the Mandarin Language and Chinese Culture (BMKT) undergraduate program at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) UNS. It was followed by another dance performance from Chizzy, a group of students from the Mandarin Language Diploma Program at the Vocational School (SV) UNS.

Meanwhile, attendees explored exhibitions showcasing Chinese handicrafts and participated in origami demonstrations by Andam Dewi. Visitors also had the opportunity to learn the art of Shufa and create their calligraphy. Many took the chance to have custom Shufa calligraphy featuring their names as personal keepsakes.

Barongsai and Liong: The Grand Finale

The event concluded with a special performance of Barongsai (Lion Dance) and Liong (Dragon Dance) by Tri Pusaka. Mall visitors filled the venue to watch the breathtaking acrobatics of the lion dancers. From the ground floor to the top levels, crowds were eager to witness the action. After the performance, many children joyfully posed for photos with the Barongsai, cherishing the moment as they experienced the vibrant celebration firsthand.

Humas UNS

Reporter: Dikky Yudi Pradana

Editor: Dwi Hastuti

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