Traditional dance is the embodiment of culture in a particular area. As a country consisting of thousands of different tribes, Indonesia is enriched with more than 300 regional dances originating from various regions. Apart from being an embodiment of culture, dance is a type of performing art that is performed in harmony with musical accompaniment. Not only harmonizing movements, traditional dance is a means of performing typical traditional clothes.
In a society, dance can develop with various functions and purposes. Traditional dances are generally carried out from generation to generation, one of which is West Java. West Java has many kinds of dances. The easiest way to preserve culture is of course by knowing its existence.
Ronggeng Gunung dance is a traditional dance from Pangandaran. According to traditional sources, the development of the mountain ronggeng dance has changed its name due to the next generation. “There are three names for Ronggeng performances, namely Ronggeng Gunung, Ronggeng Kaler, and Ronggeng Amen or Ronggeng Kidul,” said Head of the Tourism and Culture Office of Pangandaran Regency, Watch Guntar.
However, the name change did not change the aesthetics of the ronggeng dance. The development of the ronggeng is in the sub-districts of Langkaplancar, Mangunjaya, Padaherang, Pangandaran and Sidamulih.
From a book written by prof. Dr. Nina Herlina Lubis with the title “Pangandaran From Time to Time” said that Ronggeng gunung is an early form of Ronggeng performing art which is believed to have come from the mountainous area of Pangandaran. Meanwhile, the form of the Ronggeng Kala show is a development of the usual Ronggeng Gunung in this show. The ronggeng consists of two people and the accompanying gamelan is complete accompanied by kliningan songs.
The Ronggeng Kaler performance is only for entertainment at weddings or circumcisions and is not performed in rituals. Meanwhile, Ronggeng Amen is also a development of Ronggeng Gunung. At first, the Ronggeng Amen show was called Ronggeng Ngamen, but over time it changed its name to Ronggeng Amen. In its presentation, Ronggeng Amen involves the audience more to dance with Ronggeng. In addition, the songs that are sung are more varied, for example mixed with dangdut or kliningan songs, which in essence can attract the attention of many viewers.
Along with the development of the current era, the mountain ronggeng dance has become a traditional entertainment art used by the Pangandaran community in celebration processions, events, and other thanksgivings. There is a meaning contained in the interesting mountain ronggeng dance. Because it is more exciting if performed by many dancers in a circular position.
“Sarendeuk saigel sabobot sapihanean, meaning that every movement must be in rhythm, always together, never fighting because of different opinions, getting along and respecting each other,” he said.