Losari Mask Dance, Traditional Dance From Cirebon

Cirebon in West Java is indeed a warehouse of mask dance, due to the many mask dance that comes from this area. One of the mask dance that comes from Cirebon is Babakan Losari Mask Dance or commonly called Losari Mask Dance.



The dance that represents the eastern part of Cirebon has some uniqueness compared to other Cirebon mask dance because this dance has a stylistic influence from Central Java. No wonder if it happens, given the location of Lesari coinciding with Central Java.



In addition, the mask dance that comes from Cirebon is basically a unity but then divided into several sequels or a bunch. Call it Mask Dance Panji, Samba, Rumyang, Tumenggung, and also Klana which if combined will describe a journey and human nature.



In the style of Losari, which is preferred not a character, but the story or the play, the techniques, and the inspiration of his character. Therefore, Losari mask is also called mask lakonan. There is 9 (nine) revenge in Losari mask, namely Panji Sutrawi-Naugun, Patih Jayabadra, Tumenggung Magangdiraja, Jinggan Anom, Kil Paduganata, Klana, Bandopati, Rumyang, and also Lakonan.



In addition, in the style of Losari, a dancer will only play one dance, while in the western Cirebon style, 5 (five) dances can be performed by a dancer. Seeing the uniqueness-uniqueness owned, it can be said that this Losari Mask Dance was cut off from the tradition of mask dance Cirebon



The difference is also very visible from the costume or clothing is worn by the dancers. If the western mask dancers wear a mega clothed cloth, then the Losari mask dancers wear a lyrical or parang-patterned fabric that is typical of Central Java.



One more thing that becomes the uniqueness of this dance is the motion of Galeyong or kayang, which is moved backward to the body. Or the movement of Gantung Sikil, the movement of holding or hanging legs long enough. There is also a movement of Seser Naga Put, the movement of the horses.



Not just anyone who can become a dancer Topeng Losari, only those who have direct descendants who can become the mask dancers Losari. It also passes special requirements and rituals. In addition, the mask or guise that is worn is a mask inherited from generation to generation.



Rituals to become the Topeng Losari dancers include mutih, gedang ie fasting to eat bananas, fasting that breaks fast with eating chili sauce, fast patih geni ie fasting not eating and not sleeping, fasting wuwungan that is confined in the room no one who may come, and the fasting fast is fasting until 12 noon. This ritual must be undertaken by a Losari Mask dancers so that the performances run smoothly.