Yospan dance is a traditional art dance from Papua. This dance from the Papua region includes a social dance in which both male and female dancers can participate.
In addition, the Yospan dance is a dance art that is quite famous in the Papua region, especially on the northern coast of Papua. Yospan dance is typically done on various occasions, whether traditional, warm, or cultural.
This art still exists and is widely displayed on every occasion and at various events. So, what is the cultural existence of this traditional dance from Papua?
The Origin of Yospan Dance
Dance Yospan dance is a combination of two Papuan folk dances, namely Yosim and Pancar. Yosim dance originates from the Sairei bay area (Serul, Waropen). This dance movement is similar to Poleneis (a dance from Europe), but in dance, Yosim prioritizes freedom in expressing actions and relies on the agility of dance movements.
Meanwhile, Pancar Dance comes from different areas: the Biak, Numfor, and Manokwari. Because the movements adhere to the beat of the Tifa, ukulele, guitar, etc., this dance is more rigorous.
The Yospan Dance Serves a Purpose
The general function of the Yospan dance is as a means of entertainment. Typically, it is presented during performances at traditional gatherings, arts festivals, welcoming ceremonies, and other significant occasions.
This dance has been performed several times at cultural festivals in various countries. Besides functioning as an entertainment medium, this dance is also a representative of Indonesian arts worldwide.
Not much different from the explanation I gave above, that this dance is a type of association. Therefore, dancing this dance can indirectly build a positive atmosphere for tourists visiting Papua.
Therefore, it can serve as a means of communication for the Papuan people.
Yospan Dance Movement
Yospan dance has five basic movements, namely, the motion of the wipe, the action of the three hoes, the gale–gale movement, the jef movement, and the beam motion.
The explanation of the 5 fundamental movements of the Yospan dance is as follows:
1. Seka
Movement, The first movement in the Yospan dance is the Saka movement. The dancers will advance to the front while counting the times each footstep is made on the floor or stage.
2. Pacul Tiga Movement
Pacul Tiga is a movement commonly referred to as the Maneru transmit motion which is the name of a place in the interior of Biak Island. In this movement, the dancers will dance moving forward in three steps.
On the third step, the dancer stops and throws the right and left feet forward. Likewise, towards the right and left side while facing forward and bending, followed by back upright.
3. The Gale-Gale
When performing a gale-gale movement, a dancer drags their feet across the floor or stage after counting four steps forward.
4. Jef
This movement is performed by the Yospan dancers when the first count of stomping the right foot twice and then in front. Then the body position is slightly bent, jumps, throws the left and right legs with a count of four steps, and returns to the first movement.
5. Pancar
The fifth movement of the Yospan dance is the radiant movement, where all the dancers will dance forward in three steps.
It is done by jumping forward and landing the dancer’s feet on the ground or stage during the third step count.
6. Nationally renowned for Papua Cultural Enrichment
Yospan and Wor dances were then famous nationally, especially when Major General Wismoyo Arismunandar, Pangdam XVII/Trikora (1987-1989), also introduced this dance.
Yospan Dance was prevalent, taking up practically all Kodam XVII/activities. Trikora’s
This dynamic and energetic movement quickly became popular and has even become part of physical health gymnastics in several government agencies.
The popularity of this dance has even reached several international festivals. Now Yospan and Wor dances are no longer only owned by the Biak Papuan people. This dance has become the property of people throughout Indonesia.
Yospan dance seems to inspire everyone who wants to unite steps together, regardless of differences, to build Indonesia.
