KUDA LUMPING DANCE AS LEARNING MEDIA TO FULFILL AESTHETICAL AND EXPRESSION DEVELOPMENT OF YOUNG CHILDREN

Abstract

Indonesia is rich in cultural and traditional arts which grow and develop among various remote areas across the nation. One of well-known traditional dances is Kuda Lumping dance which thrives from Java Island specifically in Central Java. Kuda Lumping can almost be found in every district in which all people from different ages like it. As a traditional dance, Kuda Lumping can also be played either by adults or by children.  Regarding this, this study is aimed at analyzing Kuda Lumping dance as a medium for aesthetic fulfillment and expression especially for young children education. A qualitative method with three research instruments namely observation, interview, and documentation were utilized to collect data. The data were then validated by using triangulation.  Meanwhile, data analysis was done by an interactive model through data presentation, reduction, verification throughout the process, and research focus description. The results of the study showed that generally children have an aesthetic potential which is indicated from aesthetic expressions of their body movements. Their hands, feet, head and body move following the music rhythm. Children were able to perform some hand gestures such as ukel, ulaulap, ngithing, ngruji, and nyempurit. In addition, those motions are functioned as a medium expression for children that gave them energy and space to express their feelings. Therefore, Kuda Lumping dance offers media in the form of motions and musical elements that both of them can encourage students to express their feelings.

Keywords: Aesthetics, Expression, Kuda Lumping Dance, Young  Children