cirebon cultural tourism 
- The origins of sintren dance
- The purpose of Sintren dance
- The popularity of Sintren dance nowadays
1.1 The origin of sintren dance
Sintren dance is one of the traditional dances originating from the north coast, coast of central Java and West Java. In addition to the Sintren dance movement. This dance is also famous for mystical elements in it because of the special rituals for the removal of spirits or gods. Sintren dance is spread in several places in central Java and West Java such as Cirebon, Majalengka, Indramayu, Brebes, Pemalang, Pekalongan and Banyumas.
1.2 The purpose of sintren dance
During a folk performance held to enliven the village clean, that’s when Sulasih danced as part of the performance. That night during the full moon, Raden Sulandono came down from his hermitage by hiding while carrying a cloth given by his mother. When Sulasih danced, the power of Dewi Rantamsari posessed Sulasih so that she experienced a trance.Seeing like that, Raden Sulandono threw the cloth so that Sulasih fainted. By the power of Raden Sulandono, Sulasih can be taken away and both realize their dreams of being united in love.
Since then the names Sintren and balangan emerged as the forerunner of this Sintren Dance. The term Sintren is a state when the dancer is in a trance or trance. The term Balangan is when Raden Sulandono throws the cloth given by his mother. Sintren performances usually begin with Dupa.which is a ritual of praying together to ask God for protection from danger during the performance.
There are several parts in the Sintren performance, namely Paripurna, Balangan and Temohan. In the Plenary section is the part where the handler prepares a person who Will Made Sintren accompanied by 4 players as Dayang. The dancers still wear normal clothes. This begins with reciting a mantra by placing both hands of the prospective Sintren dancer on the smoke of incense. Then, the rope will tie the dancer’s entire body.
Then the aspiring Sintren dancer is put into a chicken cage along with her clothes and makeup equipment. Once it is ready. The indentation will be the mark Sintren dancer was ready to dance.In the Balangan section is when the audience throws something at the Sintren . When the throw hits the dancer’s body, the Sintren dancer will faint.
Then the handler goes to the fainted dancer and casts a spell and rubs the dancer’s face. That the angel spirit comes again and allowed to dance with Sintren dancers. Temohan is the section where Sintren dancers with trays approach the audience to ask for a token of gratitude with their own money.
Sintren Dancer must own several conditions there a re Sintren dancers must be girls or virgins. Sintren dancers must be in a state of purity. The dancer’s body remains in a state of purity and maintains his behavior so as not to sin and commit adultery. So that it can be difficult for spirits or gods who will enter his body. Sintren dancers must be use golek clothes, which are sleeveless clothes commonly used in golek dance. At the bottom usually use jarit cloth and cinde pants. Jamang, which is jasmine flower strand decoration on the right side and a concer on the left ear.
The accessories used are usually belts, sampur, and black / white socks. In addition, what is also a characteristic of Sintren dancers is sunglasses that function as eye patches. Sintren dancers always close their eyes when in a trance or trance, but also as a beautification of appearance. In the Sintren Dance performance is also accompanied by musical instruments such as Gending.and Javanese songs also accompany this dances. However, at this time the musical instruments used are modern musical instruments such as orchestras.
1.3 The Popularity of Sintren
In its development, Sintren Dance began to sink along with the times. The performance of This dance is rare, even in its native area. Along with the development, Sintren Dance has changed a lot in its original form. Many creations to make this dance look interesting. This dance is a rare dance and rarely found. Apart from the artistic aspect, this dance also has values that we can learn in it.
Written by Iksan Inayatuloh
