Dance at the Crossroads of Time: Between Tradition and Innovation

Author(s): Gusti Dhiya Afifah; Kusnadi
Institution: Yogyakarta State University
Category: Article, IJMMU

Topics: Dance; Innovation; Modern

Dance is an integral part of cultural heritage that reflects the identity, values, and traditions of a society. However, developments influenced by globalization, modernization, and technology have brought dance to the intersection of preserving tradition and implementing innovation (Wang, 2021). This article will discuss how dance has dealt with these changes, highlighting the important role of tradition in maintaining the authenticity of dance while exploring the innovations that have emerged in contemporary forms. A qualitative approach is used in this research with triangulation validation to gain a deep and thorough understanding. The results show that tradition in dance functions as a cultural root that maintains local values and community identity. However, in the midst of globalization, dance is also transformed
through innovations that involve the use of technology, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and exploration of contemporary themes. While innovation expands dance’s reach to a global audience and offers novelty in forms of expression, challenges arise in maintaining cultural essence amid global homogenizations. The conclusion of this article confirms that dance is at the crossroads between tradition and innovation. The balance between the two is crucial in ensuring that dance not only remains relevant in the modern era but also maintains the cultural values that have been passed down from generation to generation. By maintaining traditional roots while being open to innovation, dance can continue to thrive as a rich and meaningful medium of cultural expression, as well as a bridge for intercultural dialog in a globalized world.

Article can be downloaded here >> Dance at the Crossroads of Time: Between Tradition and Innovation | Afifah | International Journal of Multicultural and Multireligious Understanding