Rapai Geleng Dance from Aceh, Indonesia

Rapai Geleng’s name is combined from two words, “Rapai” and “Geleng”. Rapai (rapa-ee) is a special kind of tambourine used to accompany songs and dances. It is made from wooden frame, with a pair of small metal jingles fixed on it. One of its sides covered with leather layer. “Geleng” itself an Acehnese word which means “to shake one’s head”.

Rapai Geleng is a dance created especially with this tambourine as its main identity. Almost all of its moves combined with Rapai beats, which control its speed and movement types. A song with Islamic teachings also accompanies the dance.

A side of entertaining the audience, most Acehnese dances are used to spread Islamic teachings. The song which accompany the dance contain messages about local community values, which are strongly influenced by Islamic teachings.

Rapai Geleng dance has three main sections. First section is greeting, in this section the team is asking for permission to start the performance. Starting with Islamic greeting such as “Salam alaikum”. Then, second section is the “body” of this dance. Usually contained the messages or any other song suited with the occasion. At the last section, dancers asking for permission to leave, and apologizing for any mistakes made in the show.

Rapai Geleng movements basically consist of four types; slow, quick, rapid, and silent. These types of movement describe the dynamic rhythm of life in any community. Each community member has to follow the rhythm so there will be no crash happen. If anyone want to differs, he has to find his own way without blocking someone else’s way. If not, the rhythm will be ruined, and all the dances will end in a total mess.

Rapai Geleng is one of many cultural dances known in Aceh society. But the dance now spread all over Indonesia, learned and taught in many schools, universities, and cultural centers.