saman dance from aceh

Saman dance is one of the traditional dances from Indonesia which is even well known throughout the world. This one dance is a Gayo highland tribal dance of the XIV century AD which is usually performed when celebrating important events in adat. Therefore, the poetry contained in one of the traditional dances from Indonesia uses the Gayo language. In some literature it is stated that the Saman Dance was developed by Syekh Saman who is a scholar from Gayo in Southeast Aceh.

Anyone who enjoys this traditional dance from Aceh will surely be amazed by the teamwork of the dancers, which can be considered extraordinary. The saman dance is performed in a seated, neat, and lined manner which is different from other dances which usually perform free movements. The clapping movement and the typical tempo of the poetry are very special because everything can go in rhythm. The Saman dance movement cannot be done by just one person, so the dancers who combine this movement of tapping on the shoulder and hand must do it in groups.