Ntak Awo Dance in the Social Life of the Kerinci Community

Abstract

The Ntak Awo Dance is a traditional performing art originating from the Hamparan Rawang area, Sungai Penuh City, Jambi Province. Initially, this dance functioned as part of a traditional ritual, but over time it has undergone a transformation into an entertainment dance popularized by a local artist named Arwati. This article aims to describe the form, function, and cultural meaning of the Ntak Awo Dance as a representation of the identity of the Rawang community. The research method used is descriptive qualitative with an ethnographic approach through field observations, in-depth interviews, and literature studies. The results show that the Ntak Awo Dance is performed in various social events such as weddings, cultural festivals, community activities, and official state events. This dance is usually performed with energetic musical accompaniment, distinctive poetry or rhymes, and a "three-step" movement pattern that follows the rhythm of the music. The clothing used is polite everyday clothing, demonstrating the closeness between this art form and the daily lives of the community. In addition to being a medium of entertainment, the Ntak Awo Dance also functions as a means of preserving traditional values, a medium for cultural education, and a symbol of the collective identity of the Rawang community. Therefore, the Ntak Awo Dance not only needs to be preserved physically through performances, but also contextually through cultural education and strengthening local narratives in building regional cultural identity.