Teaching Javanese dance in schools

An introduction

By Gillian Roberts

 

Contents

An introduction (1)

Teaching dance in Indonesia (2)

A workshop model (3)

Mask and character work (4)

Costume (5)

Music appreciation and follow-up (6)

Seleh Notes Volume 9 Number 2 March 2002

© Gill Roberts

Photographs:
Felicity Drown
Gill Roberts

Gamelan is becoming an increasingly popular music teaching tool in the UK with a growing number of schools and LEAs acquiring their own instruments.

Young dancers learning Javanese dance

Young dancers and colourful costumes

 

In Indonesia gamelan frequently accompanies other kinds of performance, such as dance. So, is there also a place for Javanese dance in schools in this country?

The great advantage of gamelan, of course, is that a group of beginners can learn to play a basic piece in a very short period of time.

The ensemble nature of gamelan-playing lends itself to groups of mixed ability and provides opportunities for students to progress at their own pace.

There is a great sense of achievement and satisfaction to be gained in this way.

 

At the highest level, Javanese dance is as complex and technically precise as, say, ballet. It could be said that it is not immediately accessible to the novice in the way that gamelan can be.

However, there are many underlying principles and concepts which can be taught, even to young children, which do not require the physical skills of a trained dancer.

Over the past few years, I have been teaching Javanese dance in primary and secondary schools, sometimes as one-off workshops and sometimes as part of performing arts residencies.

I have found that children respond well to the theatricality of Javanese dance, and the opportunities it can offer for them to explore and develop their own ideas.

Through Javanese dance children can:
Develop their physical skills
Develop their creativity and imaginative responses
Develop their appreciation and understanding of dance, music and theatre

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