Lenso Dance, Traditional Dance From Maluku

Lenso dance is a traditional dance from the Maluku region. Lenso dance is a dance performed only by female dancers using a handkerchief or scarf as a characteristic and attributes in the dance. This dance is one of the traditional dances from Maluku which is quite famous and often displayed in various events that are custom, entertainment, or cultural arts performances.

History of Lenso Dance

Historically, Lenso Dance has existed since the Portuguese came to the Province of Maluku. It is said that this dance was once a dance that comes from the Portuguese, and then developed and adapted to the culture of the local community there. After the Portuguese left the Moluccas, this dance was still danced by the people there, until it became a tradition and developed as it is today.



Lenso's own word comes from the local language which means the handkerchief. Because in Lenso Dance the dancers will use handkerchiefs as an attribute in the dance, so many calls this dance Lenso Dance. Lenso dance was not only known in the community of Maluku but also known among the people of Minahasa, North Sulawesi Province.



However, Lenso Dance in Minahasa as well as in Maluku is slightly different. In Minahasa, Lenso dance is usually danced by male and female dancers, for the attributes used will usually use a shawl. While in Maluku, Lenso dance is usually only danced by the female dancers only, and the properties or attributes used in dancing is a handkerchief.

Lenso Dance Functions And Meaning

In Maluku, Lenso dance is generally more functioned as a welcome dance. This dance can be interpreted as a welcome expression and also a sense of joy in welcoming the guests. This can be seen from the expression and also the gentle dance movements, depicting a courtesy, respect, and also the acceptance of sincere love.

Lenso Dance Show

As mentioned earlier, Lenso Dance is usually only performed by female dancers. The number of this lenso dancer usually consists of 6 to 9 dancers. In the Lenso Dance show, the dancers will use their custom clothing costumes and will dance by using handkerchiefs as a property or attribute dance it. Movement in this lenso dance is usually more dominated by hand movements that waved forward and also movements step foot. In Lenso Dance there are 3 main movements, namely forward motion, motion jumput and also backward motion. All of these movements are of course adapted to the rhythm of the accompanying music.

Lenso Dance Companion

In this Lenso Dance performance is usually accompanied by traditional music. In Maluku Province usually, Lenso dance is accompanied by traditional music such as totobuang and tifa. The rhythm that is played is usually a medium-tempered rhythm and describes a cheerfulness.

Lenso Dance Costume

In the show, the dancers will generally use custom clothing typical of Maluku. At the top will usually use a suit of a white kebaya. While at the bottom will usually use a long cloth typical of Maluku. In the hair is usually in the bun or in the bundle and then given a decoration like a flower as a sweetener. Then the dancers also brought handkerchiefs in their hands.

Development of Lenso Dance

In its development, Lenso Dance is still preserved and developed until now. Various creations and variations are also often added in every show to make it look interesting, but it does not eliminate the characteristics and also its authenticity. Lenso dance is also still often performed in various traditional events such as weddings, greetings, festivals and on other custom occasions. In addition, Lenso dance is often displayed in various cultural events such as performing arts, cultural festivals, as well as tourism promotion.