Seudati Dance, Performed by a Group of Male Dancers

Holiday Ayo - Seudati Dance is one of the traditional dances originating from Aceh. Just like the saman dance, this dance is also performed by a group of male dancers with distinctive movements. Where the movement is energetic, passionate, and accompanied by music and also poetry.
Although both come from Aceh, the Saman dance and the Seudati dance have differences in the basic dance movements. Where the Saman dance is performed in a sitting position. Meanwhile, the Seudati dance is performed in a standing position.
Seudati dance is a typical Acehnese dance which is well known throughout Indonesia and even abroad. This dance carries the theme and meaning related to the determination, spirit and also the heroic soul of an Acehnese man.
source: pasaiaceh.com
At the beginning of the development of this dance, it was only used as a means of spreading Islamic da'wah which was carried out in the land of rencong. This can be proven by the presence of poetry in the Seudati dance which tells about the teachings and values of Islam.
In the performance, the Seudati dance is generally performed by 8 dancers. Where each dancer is given a unique term or position. Starting from the Sheikh or leader, Apet or deputy, Apet bak or expert members, Apet sak as expert members, Apet neun as ordinary members, Apet wie as ordinary members, Apet wie abeh as ordinary members, and Apet unuen abeh as ordinary members.
source: youtube.com
The art of Seudati dance is considered a new form of Ratih or Ratoh dance. Ratih dance is a dance that is often performed to start the cock-connecting competition.
In addition, this dance is also performed when welcoming the harvest and the arrival of the full moon. Then, after Islam entered and spread widely in the Aceh region, there was a mixing or acculturation of culture and religion. Thus forming a dance known as the Seudati dance.
Based on its history, this dance originated from Gigieng Village, Simpang Tiga District, Pidie. Initially the Seudati dance was initiated by someone named Syeh Tam. Then this dance began to develop more widely around the village. Such as Mutiara District, Didoh Village, and Pidie. Seudati dance was popularized by Syeh Ali Didoh's children. After that, the dance spread to the North Aceh region to the entire Aceh region.








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