TEACHING INDONESIAN DANCES BY A NON-INDONESIAN TEACHER

When the pandemic Covid-19 started in 2020 we kept the lessons via online. New challenges came up by teaching in virtual mode yet I found my way to develop a methodology. One of the benefits of online learning is that students from other countries can join the classes. Mexicans and Ecuadorians are my students for now, and so far, I have taught them: Tari Bentang Panggung (Jaipongan), Lengger Ngerong Banyumasan, Flash Mob Wanara, Kuda-kuda and Topeng Bapang. I have to be more specific and use different camera angles for them to catch the movements.

I not only teach them the dances steps, but also the story of the dance, its origin, culture and style, philosophy and meanings. I transmit them too the principles I learned from the Indonesian culture while studying with my dance teacher and classmates as: belajar bersama (study together), semangat (spirit, do not give up), jangan lupa bahagia (do not forget to smile and be happy), bersyukur (being grateful). I try to make them understand the sense of community, humbleness, hardworking and joyful that is implied in the study of Indonesian dances, and complement with the philosophical principles: sawiji, greget, sengguh and ora mingkuh (concentration, inner dynamic, self-confidence and discipline) that I learned in Jogjakarta.

My next goal is returning to Indonesia to continue and delve into my studies and researches of traditional dances and gamelan, collaborating at the same time with Indonesian artists and opening paths for future collaborations with Latin Americans. My mission is becoming a cultural ambassador to bring closer our worlds. Indonesia and Ecuador and Latin America are very far from each other, however is time for our cultures to get closer. Boundaries are imaginary.

This is the story of my passion for Indonesian dances, the achievements and hardships I found along this path. I hope it can inspire other people to make new opportunities possible.

Matur nuwun

Edgar Freire Ecuador