THE CREATIVE PROCESS OF CREATING THE AMBREG DANCE BY CHOREOGRAPHER BATHARA SAVERIGADI DEWANDORO

Abstract

This research is grounded in the importance of understanding the creative process of choreographers in developing dance works. The study aims to: (1) background of Bathara Saverigadi Dewandoro, (2) explain the structure and characteristics of the Ambreg dance, and (3) analyze the creative process involved in its creation. A qualitative approach with a phenomenological method was employed, using interviews, observations, and documentation as data collection techniques. Bathara Saverigadi Dewandoro, who comes from a Javanese cultural background, began exploring Betawi dance in 2016 as part of his search for artistic identity. Although not ethnically Betawi, he created the Ambreg dance as a reinterpretation of Betawi movement, offering a fresh perspective on its form and dynamics. Out of the 81 choreographic works he has produced, Ambreg stands out as a significant piece that led Jakarta Province to win first place in the national FLS2N competition. Bathara's creative process is analyzed using Peter Abbs' theory, which includes five stages: creative impulse, working with the medium, realization of final form, presentation/performance, and response and evaluation. Although Bathara does not rigidly follow this framework, his personal approach enriches the creative process and offers a new perspective in developing contemporary Betawi dance. These findings are expected to serve as a valuable reference for choreographers, dancers, and dance educators.

Keywords: creative process, choreographer, AmbregDance, Sanggar Swargaloka.