Rain came about ISI Padangpanjang campus on 6 December 2023. Dozens of students and dance enthusiasts hurried to Hoerijah Adam performance hall, seemingly unfazed although some were still wet from the rain. When they came into the theater, many were astonished about the many bamboo poles around it. They saw bamboo poles arranged across the stage and among the audience. This is the opening night performance over 300 seats in the house were filled.The bamboo set-up was part of the performance "Tanangan" by Kurniadi Ilham, which opened the first night of the Lawatari event: Padang Panjang at ISI Padangpanjang, West Sumatra.

Lawatari Padang Panjang, held on 6-7 December 2023, was the second program in the Lawatari series leading up to Indonesian Dance Festival 2024. Previously, IDF visited Makassar and hosted an on-site performance titled Songkabala Lae-Lae by Yogyakarta-based collective Gymnastik Emporium, in collaboration with Makassar Biennale.

Kurniadi Ilham’s Tanangan is inspired by his experience in hometown Paninggahan on the edge of Lake Singkarak, West Sumatra. In this work, Ilham explores his research findings on silat (martial arts) and personal experiences while working in rice paddies - both of which embody principles of self-control and body control. He sees these principles as a reflection of Minang people’s life philosophy. 

"I'm actually very excited! This is my first time presenting Tanangan in Padang Panjang. The last time I performed here (at ISI Padangpanjang) was in 2015, and that was for my college final project," he laughed, then continued, "After all, I'm very happy to be back in my hometown," said Uda Ilham.

Over two days, Lawatari did not only present contemporary art dances, but a few other programs for dance practitioners, including workshops, masterclass, and archive presentation. The first day started with Hari Ghulur’s masterclass “Organic Movement”, which explores limitations and uniqueness within each participant’s body. The concept of limitation is also what he explored in his work SILO. Rain initially delayed the class, but the existing participants intensely joined the session. Meanwhile, Kurniadi Ilham, who led a masterclass on the second day, explored the method of self-control and emotions inspired by silat practice, in a class titled “Focus and Control.”

This was the first Lawatari in Padang Panjang, yet the connection between IDF and the dance ecosystem of West Sumatra has long flourished. Even on the festival’s debut edition in 1992, Minangese choreographers were involved. Their works were not only artistically rich, but also critical perspectives about self-reflection, tradition, and even responses about social-political situations.

This connection is something that IDF tries to maintain, one of the, is through the class workshop of Art Management 101. The workshop was led by Linda Mayasari (IDF House Curator) and Renata Rosari (IDF Festival Manager). It focused on sharing ideas and experience, as well as fostering a contemporary dance ecosystem in Padang and West Sumatra.

“In this workshop, we invite participants to build networks. We know that social network has been a main capital to grow the ecosystem. Capital is not always about money, and this understanding is very important, says Renata. Besides ISI students, the workshop was joined by a member of Nan Jombang Dance Company.

“I’m sure that there are a lot of things that they would not receive at IS Padangpanjang,” said Kurniadi Ilham. He remembered the local ecosystem and how it deteriorated. “Last time, the local art scene was so productive, there were many lecturers who created work and organized events. But there was also a time when it was only developed for special events. But in the past 2-3 years, I saw the numbers increase again. One of them is Festival Mentari, which is initiated by Uni Tati,”

Uda Ilham’s statement is proven true, as seen on Vasana Tari archive presentation titled “Eliminating Distance, Weaving Connections.” This exhibition featured archives that showcase the rise of contemporary dance in West Sumatera between the 90s and now. Some of the choreograpers have performed in many festivals, including American Dance Festival and IDF. The presentation also showed the long relationship between IDF and the art communities in West Sumatra.

Hari Ghulur’s SILO was performed in a spiritual manner, although rain got in the way. SILO premiered at the Opening Night of IDF 2022. The work is inspired by Ghulur’s religious background, the tradition of tahlilan in Indonesia. He observes the intensity of torso and its movements as the motoric center. The physical limitations that Ghulur explores in this work can also be seen in other spiritual beliefs. With a strong Islamic culture in West Sumatera, this work has found a new home.

If Tanangan by Kurniadi Ilham is a rhhytmically calming work, by contrast SILO by hari Ghulur brings with it a high-intensity spirit. The audience who watched both works could experience how two works tied to local traditions could produce such distinctive works, both deserving to be celebrated.