Maengket
Pictures:  Maengket (photograph by Indonesian tourism office)

The Maengket dance is a folk dance performed by 10-20 pairs led by a kapel (usually a girl) and 1-2 drummers giving the rhythm of the dance. It is a mix of ritual, thanksgiving and celebration. Three of the important aspects of human life are reflected by this dance: food,  home, and interaction/communication between men and women in a society. It consists of three stages starting with "Makamberu" (new rice harvest) which shows how Minahasan people thank God for the good rice harvest. The second stage is "Rumambak" (originally means hopping to test the solidity of the new house) which reflects how the Minahasan people thank God for the new house and ask His blessing for the house. The last part is called "Lalayaan". Here, the young men and women dance with their partners. This last part originated from the Mapalus tradition which was the common meeting occasion for young men and women to find their partners.

Maengket song

(coming soon)

Kabasaran
            Picture: Kabasaran (photograph by Indonesian tourism office)

Kabasaran was originally a war dance. The word "Kabasaran" means "greatness" or "proud". It is sometimes referred to "Cakalele" due to its similarity to the traditional dance in Ambon. The dance is performed by men wearing hats decorated with hornbill's or rooster's feathers. There are some variants of this dance. Sometimes it begins with someone striking a tetengkoren (made from a bamboo) to generate awareness. The dance is led by a tonaas who gives the commands loudly and proudly. You'll hear the motto of the Regency of Minahasa "I jajat u santi" (meaning "lift up the sword") inserted as a command. Nowadays, this dance is performed as a welcome dance to greet guests.

Pisok

Pisok is the local name for sparrow also known as Burung Gereja (church bird). This bird is considered a holy bird in Minahasa. The Minahasan people also believe that the Pisok bird always brings good luck. The Pisok dance is performed by an odd number of girls.

Tumatenden
       Picture: Tumatenden Dance (photograph by Indonesian tourism office)

The Tumatenden dance is based on a mythical love story in which seven (some believe there were nine) birds  descend from heaven to bathe in a lake owned by a farmer. Upon removing their bird clothes and undressing they are transformed into beautiful girls once they undressed their bird clothes. The farmer then traps the youngest one by hiding her clothes and marries her. The birds are believed to have been pisoks. No wonder if in some new creations of this dance you'll see the similarity to Pisok dance.

Lengso
       Picture: Lengso Dance (photograph by Indonesian tourism office)

Lengso is the local name for handkerchiefs. In the former times, handkerchiefs were used as signs of love. If a young man felt in love with a girl, he'd give a handkerchief with his name on it. Also if someone left a village for a long period, he'd give a handkerchief to his dear one with his name on it as a sign of faithfulness. This dance is most likely derived from Maengket (lalayaan) where the dancers use handkerchiefs in the dance routine.

Tempurung

Tempurung is the local name for coconut shell. Many decorations are made from tempurung. Tempurung is also very useful, especially in more remote places where the farmers use it as a bowl, plate, cup and even a musical instrument, as shown in this dance. The dance reflects the appreciation of the farmer's family for the harvest of kopra (copra). It is usually performed by pairs of men and women.

Katrili

Katrili is an imported dance introduced by the Spanish people in the time of colonialism. The dance is performed by pairs of men and women and a leader. The commands are given in Spanish. The costumes are similar to those of flamenco dance.

Polineis

Polineis is a modification of the Polonaise. Like Katrili, Polineis dance is also an imported dance originally introduced by the Dutch people in the colonial era. It is very popular among the older generation and is still seen in Minahasa, especially in the recreation part of a wedding party where it is usually followed by a waltz.