%EMPTY

e m P t Y

Tried to write a letter; In ink
I've got a piece of paper; But it's Empty

Kuda Kepang

Sunday, October 26, 2008 ( 2:56 AM )

Realized that there was this RSP lesson which unfortunately I was unable to attend. Heard from others that they saw a video on "Kuda Kepang" and yeah, so I was interested (also becoz i didnt see it) and did some research. Uhm, before I start rambling abt Kuda Kepang, I'd better post the video from youtube first!

My thoughts! :

+ the men seemed to be in a “trance-like” state / sort of possessed…

+ sorry, but I was really horrified/terrified/appalled …..when I saw the video

+ I think that uhm, such dance should really be banned (though it’s part of their culture I guess, I presume that it is part of their religion) as it seems kind of torturous and hurtful ----- though the dancers don’t feel that way

+ the men seemed like they were “part of the horses”

+ uhm, I learned that Kuda Kepang is also performed at weddings and oh, there would also be female dancers

+ oh, last but not least, I think that the dancers are rather admirable (I can/would never do such a thing!!!!!!!)

Enough of what I think, I guess, as I really do not know anything abt Kuda Kepang. Time for more logical stuff from the internet abt Kuda Kepang! Before that, allow me to show some pictures about Kuda Kepang.

Yes, all those three pictures were about/related to Kuda Kepang. Thanks to http://www.flickr.com for the pictures! Now back to Kuda Kepang....

Okay, here it is:

(Thanks to: http://www.dancemalaysia.com/Dance/Traditional/Folk_Dance/Kuda_Kepang/kuda_kepang.htm)

+ Kuda Kepang is a dance from Johor.

+ It was once a form of totemic (refer to this website for the meaning of totemic: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/totemic) worship.

+ It has strong links with spirit possession and often dancers will go into a trance-like state.

+ This dance now generally renders the tale of nine Javanese men who spread the Islamic faith in the interior of Java.

+ Kuda Kepang is performed by nine dancers who are seated astride a two dimensional “horse” made of hide or pleated ratton.

+ The dancers re-enact the early Islamic battles in enthusiastic gestures and vigorous action. As time passed, this dance is seen more for its entertainment value.

+ The dance is performed in accompaniment to a rich and exotic rendition of traditional music played with indigenous instruments such as gongs, tambourines and angklungs.

Yeah, so that’s all for now. After everything, I think that Kuda Kepang is kind of a interesting dance and I hope that you have gained as much knowledge as me about Kuda Kepang! Buhbye!