My Memorable Experience in Performing Indonesian Cultural Dance as a Filipino

by Erickson Samson (MA in Education student batch 3)

Performing Indonesian cultural dance, especially the “Dindin Badindin” from West Sumatra, is one of the most fulfilling things I have ever done as a Filipino and an international student at UIII. This was something that I will never forget in my life. I am very grateful that I have been part of the cultural dancers and, most especially, the UIII community.

As a person who is not into dancing, nor had I experienced performing in front of a big crowd, I firstly hesitated to accept the invitation of my friends to join them because I was afraid that I could not perform well, which I thought I might have ruined the whole performance because of me. However, I still sincerely grabbed it after believing it was a once-in-a-blue-moon thing. Thus, I had to seize this opportunity because I knew that everything could be learnt by continued practice and everyone’s cooperation.

I acknowledge the guidance of my course mates Andi Ilham, Furqanul Hakim, and Ulfia Muru’ah, as well as the continued support of friends and lecturers. Throughout the duration of practice, when everyone was busy with their papers, it was very challenging because we had to spare time to practice, and everyone’s presence and cooperation were needed. As a result, our practices went very well, with happy moments and laughter.

Each day of practice and observing my friends, I reflected that I would never forget this moment when I became part of this, with my utmost appreciation and respect. I even learnt how to appreciate and sense the music with all my heart. In the future, I will remember that these are my friends with whom I have shared some of the best memories in my postgraduate journey in Indonesia.

On the first day of the conference, I did not feel nervous during this period at all; I told myself we just needed to enjoy this day and our performance with all smiles. I was elated after the performance, as it was done smoothly, telling myself that all our efforts had paid off, and everyone seemed to enjoy and love it. Also, what I loved was hearing that our dean of the Faculty of Education, Dr. Nina Nurmila, told the visitors that I was not an Indonesian, but a Filipino. Moreover, some were surprised by that kind of thing; my friends and lecturers were happy with that, which I loved most.

At the end of the day, I have learnt that we must enjoy the journey and our process. These help us grow and appreciate the people we are sharing the memories with. These things only happen once in our lives, but the memories that we have shared with our friends may not happen again.

Our cultural performance has made me appreciate Indonesia’s culture, attached me to this country, its people, and its language, and encouraged me to act locally as part of cultural understanding and appreciation. This is why I have learnt to love this country.