Unlimited Exploration, Growth Performance combines Ballet to Hip Hop with Indonesian Tradition Elements

JAKARTA - The performance titled "Growth: Growing into RAFA, Our Way Through Heritage" which was held by RAFA International Dance Studio at the Grand Theater, Taman Ismail Marzuki, Central Jakarta, on Saturday, July 18, managed to steal the attention with its unique concept.

Carrying the Nusantara theme, this performance dares to combine international dance techniques such as ballet, jazz, and hip hop with the richness of Indonesian culture.

Head of the RAFA Program, Felicia Chitra, told how complicated it was to compose 27 dances involving 250 dancers with different styles.

"Some people dance jazz with the song 'Tokecang'. So it's weird but they are really fun. We chose this Nusantara theme because we want children to remain global without forgetting their origins," said Felicia to the media after the performance.

Meanwhile, Tiara as the Secretary General of the Raya Budaya Foundation sees great potential in the dance style in this performance. One of the interesting things is how traditional elements are inserted into modern movements without losing their essence.

"The dance has ballet, gym dance, jazz, and hip hop. This is what the children of the current generation like. RAFA can pack our Nusantara culture in a way that touches their hearts," said Tiara.

"For example, in the hip hop class, there are those who want to use elements of Papua. It's not just clothes, but hip hop movements combined with Papua dance movements," he continued.

Not only Papua, dances from other regions in Indonesia such as Maluku were also presented in a new way.

"There is a dance from Maluku that uses two handkerchiefs, it's called Tari Lenso. We are inspired by areas that may not be exposed and we try to dig back into this performance," added Tiara.

The creative process of this event was recognized by Nevine Rafa Kusuma, Founder of RAFA, as a form of anxiety about the lack of interest in Indonesian cultural traditions among young people.

Looking at the Korean Pop (K-pop) phenomenon in South Korea, Nevine feels that Indonesia is also able to present Indonesian Pop (I-pop) that is sought after by its own people.

"Why do you like K-Pop but there is no I-Pop? That is our concern, so all of this event is about introducing traditions through modern dance," concluded Nevine.