RESTRUKTURISASI TARI YASOPAL DI DESA KOTA AGUNG KECAMATAN BERMANI ILIR KABUPATEN KEPAHIANG PROVINSI BENGKULU

Abstract

This research aims to describe and analyze the restructuring of Yasopal Dance in Kota Agung Village, Bermani Ilir Subdistrict, Kepahiang Regency, Bengkulu Province. Yasopal Dance is a traditional Islamic art originating from Palembang that narrates the journey of Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II in spreading Islam. In its original form, the dance lasted 90 minutes with 30 songs, 30 movements, and 30 rebana percussion motifs performed by 10 dancers and 10 musicians, all adult married men. Due to its complexity and limited practitioners, the dance was at risk of extinction. This research uses a qualitative method with descriptive-analytical approach. Data was collected through participant observation, structured and unstructured interviews, and documentation. The restructuring retained the three obligatory songs (Wahid 1, Yasopal, and Assalatu'ala Ahmad), three main movement sequences (greeting movement, lower clap movement, and left-right turn movement), and three rebana percussion motifs as the core structure. The number of performers was reduced to five dancers (three female, two male) and two musicians. Floor patterns expanded from one horizontal formation to four variations. Costumes were redesigned using traditional Rejang attire. The restructuring results show that Yasopal Dance can now be more easily learned, performed in various contexts, and passed down to the younger generation without sacrificing its religious values and cultural identity.