VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

East Nusa Tenggara province –NTT has different culture from other regions in Indonesia. It can be seen from a lot of traditional dances. The dances from this province are usually full of meanings. One of them is the dance of Bidu Hodi Hakdaur. Traditional dance in East Nusa Tenggara does not know single dance as well as Bidu Hodi Hakdaur dance. The dance is performed by more than 2 persons. Bidu Hodi Hakdaur dance is an accompanied music from combination of Gendang, Gong, Tambur, and blowing of recorder (kind of flute). Even, the dance is often interspersed with the song of Belu people, “Loro Malirin” which is accompanied with loud cry. Bidu Hodi Hakdaur dance is developed with Likurai dance from Belu tribe, East Nusa Tenggara. The dance is moved by a number of men and women. With dynamic dance, the male and female dancers wear Ikat weaving clothes of Belu tribe and also accessories, such as Tais (traditional bag) and Kelewang (traditional weapon). The dancers wear accessories to show wealth of East Nusa Tenggara ethnical culture which is exotic. Bidu Hodi Hakdaur dance is usually performed in welcoming honorable guest, wedding party, traditional ritual and entertainment. Bidu Hodi Hakdaur dance’s performance is begun with male dancers who move their legs energycally and sturdy movement while sounding Giring-giring (ankle bracelet) by following rhythm of the Gendang. Then, a number of female dancers come to swing their body while beating Gendang or Bibiliku (tambur) with excitement and joy. Afterwards, there is choreography in pairs and in groups forming a circle. Bidu Hodi Hakdaur dance is inherited from generation to generation. In the past, the dance was to welcome commander of war who succeeded to conquer opponents. The dance represents a row of brave men who used Kelewang and defeat the enemy. While, a row of women beat Gendang joyfully to welcome the men and to celebrate the victory. Besides, the dance also has another meaning, namely happiness and cooperation.