POPULARITAS TARI TOGA NAGARI SIGUNTUR KABUPATEN DHARMASRAYA

Abstract

Toga dance is a traditional dance from Nagari Siguntur, Dharmasraya Regency, West Sumatra, originating from the 13th-century Siguntur Kingdom. This dance was banned by the Dutch colonial government in 1908, then revived by Marhasnida in 1990, and designated as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Indonesia in 2014. However, Toga Dance faces two main challenges: declining appreciation due to the development of digital technology and changing tastes, and the loss of direct access to the school environment after Marhasnida was no longer a teacher. This study aims to examine efforts to overcome these two challenges using descriptive qualitative methods. Data were collected through observation, in-depth interviews with key informants (Marhasnida, Sanggar Dara Petak administrators, traditional leaders, young people), documentation, and literature studies. The results show that efforts made include utilizing social media for creative content, packaging the dance in the form of short stories, performances at popular youth events, and hybrid learning methods. To maintain the popularity of the dance after Marhasnida left teaching, five strategies were implemented: strengthening the role of Sanggar Dara Petak, promotion and documentation through social media, using Augmented Reality technology in learning, opening opportunities for those who still want to practice in the studio and helping the seniors who have been trained all this time, and optimizing its Intangible Cultural Heritage status to access government support. The study concluded that the key to maintaining the popularity of the Toga Dance is a balance between tradition and modernity through collaboration between various parties. The study's recommendations include strengthening digital strategies, training the next generation of dancers, and ongoing policy support from the local government.