The Lengger Lanang dance tradition is rooted in 16th-century fertility and harvest rituals from Central Java province. It has since evolved into an art form that challenges rigid beliefs around masculinity in a deeply conservative and religious society.
JAKARTA -- Indonesian dancer Rianto moves gracefully in front of a crowd of thousands in the capital Jakarta, whipping his orange sash and in full make-up as he performs a centuries-old folk dance frowned upon by conservatives.
"Lengger is still looked down on and negatively stigmatized," 42-year-old dancer and choreographer Rianto told AFP. The performers crack jokes in deep baritone voices, reminding their audience that, while they are wearing dresses, they are male. Even today, in order to become a Lengger Lanang dancer, one must undergo several cleansing rituals such as fasting, bathing in springs, and meditation.
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