Groundbreaking of Padepokan Muara Beres Lembang

Kab. Bandung Barat, UPI

Soon, the village of Pasir Ipis Lembang will have a Dance and Art Performance Studio (Padepokan) which will be a center for training, learning, and performing traditional dance. The establishment of the Padepokan was marked by a groundbreaking ceremony which was attended by a number of academics, community leaders, government agencies, and artists in the city and district of Bandung, Wednesday (13/1/20).

The Padepokan, which is named “Muara Beres”, was initiated by Tatang Taryana, M.Sn., a dance artist who is also a lecturer of Dance Education Study Program, FPSD UPI. According to Tatang, ‘Muara Beres’ can be interpreted as ‘a place to arrange or reconcile’. In accordance with his expectations, it is hoped that this Padepokan can become a place for young artists to hone, organize, and channel their dancing skills and talents as well as the other potential performing arts through learning, training, and performances.

The series of ceremonies began with remarks by Abah Nana Munajat which contained a description of the Padepokan’s establishment, followed by the Ruat / Rekes ritual of laying the first stone. Then the recitation of the ballad Rekes Galindeng Sangkuring by Tatang Taryana, chanting of rhymes and lutes by Dedi Warsana, M.Sn. and Samsul, and the screening of a sundanese song by Tatang Taryana. The inauguration and ground-breaking was represented by Dr. Zakaria S Soeteja, M.Sn. The agenda for the ceremony, which was hosted by Radio Cakra announcer, Ucan Susanti, ended with a ‘sawer’ snack for the local community who also attended the ceremony at the Padepokan site.

A number of art practitioners, academics, agency representatives, and community leaders who attended this ceremony included Mr. Kawi, M.Sn. (Dance Artist), Usup Suherman S.Sn, Ervan, S.Sn. (Head of West Bandung Cultural Affair), Kiki Mulyakin, S.Sn. (Artist), Yeyep (Chairperson of RW 06 Pasir Ipis), Abah Yanto (Head of Padepokan Kalang Kamuning), Rizki Rojali, S.Sn, (Jaipong Music Composer), and local communities.

Even though it is located in Kampung Pasir Ipis, Jayagiri Village, Lembang District, this Padepokan is generally open to art practitioners and academics both inside and outside the Bandung area. In addition, this Padepokan is not limited only to performing arts, Tatang is also very open to the potential of other arts to be developed through the Padepokan, in line with its establishment as a place to preserve traditional arts, an alternative space for art learning, as well as a form of Tatang’s scientific dedication to art. (Beni)