Srimpi


The Srimpi is a ritualized dance of Java, Indonesia, associated with the royal palaces of Yogyakarta and Surakarta. The srimpi dance is one of the classical dance of Central Java. Along with the bedhaya, srimpi epitomized the elegance character of the royal Javanese court, and the dance became a symbol of the ruler's power as well as the refinement of Javanese culture.

Form and movement

The srimpi dance usually performed by four female dancers, however other numbers such as two, six or eight dancers is also possible, depends to the type of srimpi being performed. Similarity in looks, height and body type among dancers is preferred to achieve better aesthetic. Srimpi demonstrate soft and slow movements and a highly stylized hands positions, stances and body poses with graceful movement to describes modesty, refinement, beauty and grace. The dancer moves slowly accompanied with serene gamelan music.
The srimpi dances, being less sacred in nature than bedhaya dances, are much better known and often performed, not only in the two Keratons, but also outside the courts for ceremonies and festivals of common Javanese people. Up until today, the srimpi dances are still a part of court ceremonies, as princesses routinely rehearse various types of serimpi dances in pendopo pavilion within the palace.