IMITATION AND TRANSFORMATION OF THE NGUBEK SITU TRADITION INTO THE DANCE WORK RENGKAK AYAKAN, FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF SUSANNE K.LANGER

Abstract

This research discusses the process of imitation and transformation of the Ngubek
Situ tradition into the dance work Rengkak Ayakan, from the perspective of Susanne
K. Langer. Rengkak Ayakan is a form of art inspired by community traditions,
creatively processed into a symbolic expression of human emotion. According to
Langer's theory, art is not merely a copy of reality, but the result of imitation and
transformation that creates symbolic meaning from felt emotions. This study
employs a descriptive qualitative method, using observation, literature review, and
in-depth interviews with choreographers, dancers, community figures, musicians,
and the management of Sanggar Tari Gandes Pamantes. The results show that
Rengkak Ayakan does not simply replicate the physical activities of a tradition, but
rather interprets values of togetherness, joy, and gratitude through elements of
movement, costume, props, and performance structure. This transformation results
in a dance work that symbolically represents the meaning of the Ngubek Situ
tradition, in accordance with Langer’s concept of emotional expression. This,
Rengkak Ayakan becomes an effective medium for cultural preservation by
integrating traditional elements with artistic creativity, and bridging local cultural
heritage with the context of modern performance through a symbolic and expressive
approach.