Analysis of the Movement Structure of Opak Abang Dance as Cultural Identity of Pasigitan Village, Kendal

Abstract

Opak Abang Dance is a traditional performing art unique to Pasigitan Village, Kendal Regency, Central Java, rich in historical value and cultural function. This study aims to analyze the movement structure and interrelationships among movement elements in Opak Abang Dance as an expression of the community’s cultural identity. The research employs a descriptive qualitative method with textual and choreographic approaches. Data were collected through field observation of performances and rehearsals, in-depth interviews with master artists, dancers, and cultural practitioners, and visual documentation including video recordings and photographic archives. Findings reveal that the movement structure of Opak Abang Dance comprises three hierarchical levels: movement patterns (micro), movement phrases (meso), and performance sections or choreographic structure (macro). The interrelationships among core dance elements—space, time, and energy—are systematically organized, forming a distinctive rhythm that reflects the straightforward, communicative, and agrarian character of the Pasigitan community. Furthermore, the analysis demonstrates that these movement patterns function not only as aesthetic components but also as a medium for representing collective identity, transmitting traditional knowledge, and strengthening social capital within the village. This study contributes to the documentation and preservation of Opak Abang Dance as intangible cultural heritage.