THE DANCE FROM CONCEPT OF THE NATIVITY OF JESUS

Abstract

The research aims to achieve two objectives: 1) to explore the history and concept of the nativity of Jesus, and 2) to create a dance performance based on the nativity of Jesus. The research methodology combines creative research and qualitative research. The research tools include important documentary data sources, interviews with relevant individuals, and a dance workshop. The collected data is analyzed using content analysis and document analysis.

The results reveal the following: 1) Jesus, a Jewish man, was born in Bethlehem, Yehudah, Palestine, approximately 3-4 years before Christ, during the Roman rule under Emperor Augustus Caesar. Jesus is descended from King David and is the first son of Joseph and Mary. He has brothers named Jacob, Joses, Judas, and Simon, as well as a sister. His family belongs to the middle-class and his father works as a carpenter. They reside in Nazareth, Galilee, leading to Jesus being referred to as "Jesus of Nazareth." He begins his religious mission around the age of 30 and passes away around the age of 33 during the reign of Tiberius Caesar Augustus, the second Roman Emperor. The life and teachings of Jesus are documented in the four Gospel Books written by Saint Matthew, Saint Mark, Saint Luke, and Saint John. Regarding the creation of the dance performance, it is divided into three elements: the dance concept, which is further divided into three parts. Part 1, named Holy Spirit, presents the concept of pregnancy through the Holy Spirit, symbolizing the divine conception of Jesus through a virgin woman. Part 2, named Mary, depicts the nativity of Jesus, with Mary giving birth to her son and placing him in a manger. The angel announces the birth to the shepherds, who praise God upon recognizing Jesus as the Messiah. Part 3, named Resurrection, represents the concept of Jesus' resurrection after his crucifixion. The performers apply the principles of postmodern dance as guidelines. One performer is selected to embody various abstract concepts through their skills and body movements, utilizing postmodern dance and movement improvisation. The selection of performer postures is carefully adjusted and refined to align with the performance. Symbols found in the four Gospel Books, such as the pigeon and water, are employed as tools to create movements that harmonize with different parts of the performance.