Dance in the Karo Society: Important to Learning and Practicing

Abstract

Karo is one of several tribes living in North Sumatra, Indonesia. In the Karo society, dance is part of customs, beliefs and entertainment. Dance is very important in everyday life. It is undeniable that dance in this society is a non-verbal communication in the sense that it has a meaning that cannot be expressed by verbal speech. In the context of entertainment, dance symbolizes feelings of love. But in the context of the traditional dance symbolizes social norms that must be presented in the traditional ceremonies. This can be seen in the marriage ceremonies, in the funeral ceremonies and in the entering a new home. In that case, dance is a symbol of the highest respect. There is deep belief in the thought that the dance can transform a deep sense of humanity to the relatives in social relationships. Furthermore, in the context of the belief ceremonies, the dance also functions as a means of communication with those who have supernatural powers. In the context of the ritual ceremony, dance symbolizes the highest respect. Therefore, dance in the Karo community must always be studied and practiced directly. Dance in the Karo society cannot be separated from the development of music. One of the musical developments that greatly influenced dance was the gradual inclusion of the keyboard as a part of the Karo musical culture. This fact greatly affects the dance of the Karo society from various aspects, such as in performing arts, in traditional ceremonies, in religious ceremonies. This requires that the Karo society need to pay attention so that the Karo dance continues to describe the Karo life philosophy