Seudati Dance

Seudati Dance is the name of the dance which originated from Nangroe Aceh Darussalam province or Aceh, Indonesia.

Some experts say Seudati derived from the word Syahadatain, and there is also a word that comes from sahadati (Arabic).

Seudati danced by eight men as the main dancer, consisted of one leader called a Sheikh, Sheikh one assistant, two assistants on the left called Apeetwie, one person behind the maid called Apeet tub, and three assistants normal. In addition, there are two singers as a dance accompanist called Aneuk Syahi.

The type of dance does not use the instrument, but only brought a few movements, like clapping hands to the chest and hips, stomping feet on the ground and the passage of a finger. Movement to the rhythm and tempo of the song that was sung.

Several movements are quite dynamic and lively with great enthusiasm. However, there are some movements that seemed stiff, but actually shows strength and valor of the dancers. In addition, clapping his hands to his chest and stomach at the same time imposing warrior pride.

Seudati’s cloth consisting of long pants and long sleeve T-shirts, both white; Songket wrapped around the thighs and waist length; Rencong inserted at the waist; Tangkulok (headband), which tied a red head and a handkerchief colored. Dress uniform is only for the main players. The most important parts of the dance consists of Seudati likok (force; dance), Saman (melodies), rhythmic agility, and story telling of the story of heroism, historical and religious themes.

There has been no mention of the source who first created the seudati this. Perhaps by history experts, is estimated seudati is created by the ulama to release the spare exhaustion after the battle for the next war.