Dear Steemians.
Seudati Dance is one of the traditional dances originating from Aceh. This dance is usually danced by a group of male dancers with a distinctive and energetic movement and accompanied by chanting poems and the sound of the dancers. This Seudati Dance is one of the most well-known traditional dances in Aceh, and is often featured in various events, both traditional events, show events, and cultural events.
History of Seudati Dance
Historically, this dance originally grew and flourished in Gigieh Village, Simpang Tiga Subdistrict, Pidie District, Aceh, led by Tam Tam. This dance then began to develop in other areas, one in Didoh Village, Pearl District, Pidie District, led by Syeh Ali Didoh. As time went on, this dance then began to spread to other areas of Aceh, until now Seudati Dance has spread to all areas in Aceh.
Function And Meaning Of Dance Seudati.
As mentioned earlier, Seudati Dance is initially often functioned as a medium of da'wah. But now this dance is also functioned as a dance performances. The name of this Seudati Dance comes from the word "shahadat", which means "to testify". Or in Islam is defined as an acknowledgment of God and the Prophet. It is also related to the poems that are sung in accompanying this dance. The poem usually contains about life and religious teachings. In addition every movement in this Seudati Dance also certainly has special values and meanings in it.
Seudati Dance Performances.
Seudati dance is usually played by male dancers. The dancers usually numbered 8 main dancers consisting of a single shekel, one maid syeh, two apeet wie, one apeet tub and three ordinary helpers. In addition in this dance there are also two other people who served as a singer of poetry called aneuk syahi.
Dances Seudati Dance.
In this Seudati Dance performance is usually not accompanied by musical instruments, but only accompanied by singers poetry. The poetry is usually the theme of daily life and religious teachings. In addition to poetry, this dance is also accompanied by sounds of pats, pounding feet and finger sweeps from the movements of the dancers. The movement is certainly adapted to the rhythm and tempo of songs / poems are sung to look harmonious.
Seudati Dance Costume.
The costumes used by dancers in this Seudati Dance usually use a custom-themed custom costume. The costumes used usually consist of long-sleeved shirts and trousers. The shirts and pants are usually white. While as an accessory usually consists of songket cloth worn at waist hinga thigh, rencong inserted at the waist and tangkulok (headband) is red.
The development of Seudati Dance.
In its development, Seudati Dance is still continuously preserved and developed until now. Various creations and variations in the movement are also often displayed in every show to make it look interesting but not eliminate its authenticity and characteristic. This saudati dance is often featured in various events, both traditional events, celebration events and other regional events. In addition, this dance is also often displayed in various cultural events such as art performances, cultural festivals, and tourism promotion. In addition to appearing as a dance performance, this dance is also often competed between teams. This is what makes people more enthusiastic to follow this Seudati Dance. In addition to the race, this is certainly done to preserve and introduce to the younger generation and the wider community will this Seudati Dance.