Nesianetwork.id - Spreading Indonesian culture in foreign countries is one of the goals of Melvinka Najla, a Diponegoro University (UNDIP) student participating in the student exchange program, Indonesia International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA). Through this program, Melvinka succeeded in performing and teaching the traditional Gambang Semarang dance in Glasgow, Scotland.
Of course, this success cannot occur without thorough preparation. Before leaving for Glasgow, Melvinka, together with 3 other IISMA University of Glasgow (UofG) awardees had prepared the Semarang Gambang Dance performance with regular practice. Apart from training, Melvinka has also prepared items that will be given to Gambang Semarang dance training participants. These items include batik cloth and scarves. Together with these items, Melvinka has also prepared a pocket book containing information about Indonesia, Semarang, and of course the Semarang Gambang dance.
On October 30 2023, the "Heroes Horas" event, which is an Indonesian cultural exhibition and performance event, was held by all IISMA UofG awardees at the Glasgow University Union (GUU), Glasgow, Scotland. At this event, the Gambang Semarang dance was successfully performed by Melvinka along with 3 friends in front of UofG students and staff. Apart from the dance performance, the IISMA UofG awardees also performed traditional Indonesian songs and also showcased Indonesian culture through prepared booths, such as typical Indonesian food and drink booths, batik coloring booths, and typical Indonesian craft booths.
Through this performance, several students who were interested in learning more about the Gambang Semarang dance were invited to take part in dance training. In the end, 4 UofG students took part in the Gambang Semarang dance training. From this dance training, participants learn about dance movements, the history of dance, and also the clothes worn when dancing. Apart from that, participants were also given material about Indonesia and Semarang to go through prepared presentations.
From this experience, Melvinka has high hopes that Indonesian culture can continue to be preserved and can be known on an international scale.
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