The dance team from the Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies Program (PSPSR) at the Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada (SPs UGM) won second place in the prestigious PORSENIGAMA 2024 arts competition on Saturday, November 9th 2024. Their performance, titled Jalaraksha, captivated the audience with a spiritual narrative emphasizing harmony between humans, nature, and spiritual forces.
The team, consisting of Afan Romadlon Febri Triyanto, Anzal Zikri, Rusnandi, Janur Pusparukmi, and Galih Ernawati Wibawa, incorporated ritualistic aesthetics into their choreography. Jalaraksha was enriched by Javanese songs and body-lifting elements, delivering a visually stunning and meaningful performance.
The sense of pride and joy enveloped the team after their victory was announced. “We didn’t expect to make it to the top three, let alone win second place. The support from friends, lecturers, and the university, including the Graduate Student Association (SAGA), meant so much to us,” said Afan Romadlon Febri Triyanto, the team’s choreographer and leader, enthusiastically.
The road to the PORSENIGAMA stage was not easy. The team faced challenges such as tight training schedules, limited rehearsal space, and technical difficulties with the Butha costume, which could not be showcased to its full potential. Nevertheless, their innovative approach, including swift costume transitions and unique props, provided a fresh experience for the event.
“We tried to bring new elements to the stage, such as lifting and Javanese songs, to create an authentic ritualistic atmosphere. This concept sets us apart,” Afan added.
This achievement serves as a motivation for other PSPSR students to continue developing traditional arts through creative and innovative approaches. Afan encouraged students to actively participate in cultural and artistic activities, both on and off campus.
This accomplishment not only brought pride to SPs UGM but also demonstrated that traditional arts can remain relevant in the modern era through dedication, hard work, and creativity. Congratulations to the PSPSR SPs UGM Team for their remarkable achievement!
Writer: Arfikah Istari