KEPENARIAN SUWITRI DALAM TARI TOPENG DI SLARANG LOR, DUKUHWARU, KABUPATEN TEGAL

Abstract

The research entitled The Artistry of Suwitri in Masked Dance in the Village of Slarang
Lor in the Dukuhwaru District of Tegal discusses the process of Suwitri’s artistry as a masked
dancer in Slarang Lor and Suwitri’s performance inTari Topeng Slarang Loror the Masked Dance
of Slarang Lor. The method used in this research is qualitative interpretative. The techniques for
data collection include observation of recordings and direct observation, supported by a library
study and in-depth interviews. The theoretical foundation for uncovering the process of Suwitri’s
artistry uses the theories of Habitus and Pierre Bourdie while the study of Suwitri’s performance
uses Janet Adshead’s dance analysis and the artistic demands for performing masked dance, which
include ngrungokena kendhang, gerakane kudu pas karo pakem, and ndelengna raineng topeng, or listening to the sound of the drum, making sure the movements follow the rules, and
watching the face of the mask. Suwitri is the only masked dance maestro who is able to perform 6
different characters, as a result of her artistic background andthe process through which she learned
to dance to a level at which she has been affirmed as a maestro of Slarang Lor Masked Dance.
Keywords: Artistry, Suwitri, Slarang Lor Masked Dance.