GAWAI BALA INYIAK: REPRESENTASI RITUAL ILAU HARIMAU DALAM KARYA TARI DRAMATIK

Abstract

A work of dance art is born from a combination of creative ideas, thoughts, and feelings of the creator to be enjoyed by the audience. This article discusses the creative process of a dramatic dance work titled Gawai Bala Inyiak. This work is inspired by a traditional ceremony called the Ilau Harimau ritual in Kenagarian Sungai Liku Palangai, Ranah Pesisir District, Pesisir Selatan Regency. The idea for this dance arose from environmental issues, specifically rampant illegal logging by humans. As a result, the natural habitat of tigers was destroyed, forcing them to enter residential areas and cause fear among local citizens. In arranging this dance, the choreographer used five stages of dance composition construction from Jacqueline Smith's theory. These stages began with finding ideas and movement inspiration, developing basic movement variations, organizing group movements, structuring dance acts, and presenting the complete performance on stage. The new movements in this dance were created by modifying and refining movements from local traditions, such as the Rantak Kudo dance, basic Minang movements, and the tiger silat martial art. This performance was performed by 14 dancers and divided into three story sections. The beauty of this dance was supported by an outdoor stage designed to resemble a forest and a ritual site, the use of properties such as torches and incense bowls or blango, live background music, and costumes matching the traditional colors of Minangkabau. The results show that Gawai Bala Inyiak is not just a dance but also serves to preserve cultural heritage, reflect social conditions, and remind humans not to destroy the surrounding environment.