Soerya Soemirat

Indonesia's finest exponents of classical Javanese dance present three sacred palace dances.

Srimpi Muncar dance

Invented by KGPAA Mangkunegara VII, Srimpi Muncar derives its moves from the tale of two women from different backgrounds: Javanese Princess Kelasworo and Chinese-descent Princess Adaninggar. The two princesses fall in love with the same man, Wong Agung Menak. This 25-minute dance embodies the conflict that follows, with Princess Kelasworo winning the man’s love in the end of the performance. This dance number is performed by four graceful female dancers.

Kelono dance

The Kelono dance tells the story of a king in the Bantar Angin region who bears immense strength, wealth, and assertiveness but who faces many challenges caused by his coarse manner. Apart from caricaturing the many faces of this powerful king, this dance also interprets his feelings after experiencing rare affection (gandrung). A single male dancer moves between the soft and the heroic.

Bambangan Cakil dance

Accompanied by the beats of the gamelan, this dance depicts the epic Perang Kembang – the Blossom War – from Javanese wayang kulit shows, which tells of the battle between one knight and a mythical giant. Two dancers deliver this Bambangan Cakil story in a 25-minute show. The Knight (Bambangan) is a gentle and just character, while the Giant (Cakil) is ferocious and full of rage. The dance asserts that evil and wrath will always lose to the hands of the righteous.