From the 22nd-26th February 2016, CIOFF® Indonesia with the help from Galeri Indonesia Kaya organized a workshop called: “Creative Space : Rapa’i Geleng Dance Workshop (Ruang Kreatif : Workshop Tari Rapa’I Geleng),” at Galeri Indonesia Kaya, Grand Indonesia. Rapa’I Geleng is a men intended ethnic dance from Aceh. The dance usually perfromed by 12 trained men, sitting  in a crossed-legged position and accompanied by a rythmic beat of percussion called “Rapa’I”, a traditional music instrument from Aceh.

Rapa’i Geleng Dance Workshop was attended by 14 participants  which divided into two sessions, 8 participant in the first session, and 6 in the second sesssion. Each session last for two hours, from 4-6 pm and 7-9 pm respectivly.  At the end of the workshop, all participants are joined together to perform at the opening event in Galeri Indonesia Kaya.

For those who have never danced Rapa’i Geleng, don’t worry. All participants were not only taught about the history of CIOFF® and Rapa’i Geleng Dance, but they were also trained by CIOFF® Indonesia’s coachs to perform the dance. They were trained on basic movement first before going to the core of the dance, such as how to beat the rapa’i in order to produce the beautiful sound, how to throw a rapa’i, how to move the head, the direction, degrees, and the songs that they will sing while dancing.

    At first, most of the participants found a difficulty in performing the dance, because most of them don’t have basic knowledge in dancing. There are even a participant who never dance before participate in this workshop.  While giving some motivation to the participants, CIOFF® Indonesia’s President, Said Rachmat said that, “…a great performance is the one that can amaze the audience and made them can’t take their eyes off of the performers”. Since that time, the participants regain their spirit and continue to practice in order to dance beautifly. All the pains and hunger they resisted, resulted in a spectacular performance that amazed the audiences. All thanks to the support, patience and skills of  CIOFF® Indonesia coaches. The workshops only last for 5 days, yet it result in a great performance. This proves that the CIOFF® Indonesia never half measures in preparing and creating activities.

This activity was covered by the Metrotvnews.com and Berita Satu News Channel in Jurnal Ekstra program. Berita Satu News Channel and Metro Tv interview Nur Kusuma Ngarasati and Yunita HG. In addition to Berita Satu News Channel and Metro TV, Galleri Indonesia Kaya also covered this workshop. They interviewed the president of CIOFF® Indonesia, Said Rachmat and record the Rapa’i Geleng practice.

Written by Alvita Rassya
Edited and published by Galih Sadhira & Ghina Aulia Megaputri