by Steven Seedo
PARAMARIBO — Van Poco Poco to traditional Javanese dance: Starliners brings generations together and passes on cultural heritage to young people. “We are committed to the preservation and transmission of Javanese culture in Suriname,” says founder and dance teacher Farcia Wongsokarijo-Sastrowitomo. the True Time. “The dance group combines movement, relaxation and cultural awareness. Attention is paid not only to the older generation, but especially to young people, who must continue to know and pass on the heritage of their ancestors.”
Starliners consists of two branches: the Poco Pocogroup and the cultural dance group. Although both focus on different dance forms, they have one common goal: bringing people together through dance and keeping cultural traditions alive. “Know your roots, respect every culture and know where you come from is the message we want to convey,” emphasizes Wongsokarijo-Sastrowitomo.
“The dance group combines movement, relaxation and cultural awareness”
Dance connects
The Poco Pocobranch has existed for nine years and focuses on line dancingwhere dancers line up perform the same movements to recognizable rhythms. The group always tries to develop varied choreographies so that performances remain original and surprising. The group regularly performs during events and cultural activities, such as in the context of the celebration of fifty years of Suriname’s political independence last year in Para.
The dance teacher explains that this dance form is more than just performing steps. “Exercising together promotes mutual connection, offers fun and provides mental relaxation. Moreover, it helps participants to stay active and pay attention to their health.”
From ballet to Javanese dance
Wongsokarijo-Sastrowitomo’s passion for dance started with ballet. Through a friend she then joined the dance group Kartika Budaya, where she gained her first experience with traditional Javanese dance.
Later she took dance lessons with teachers Murtini and Kadek from the Indonesian embassy. There her interest grew in the different styles, costumes and meanings associated with traditional Javanese dance. “Each dance has its own costume and its own meaning,” she explains. It was precisely that combination of movement, history and symbolism that motivated her to delve deeper into the dance form and to pass on the knowledge.
Also the Poco Pocoshe learned her dance style from Kadek. Ultimately, Wongsokarijo-Sastrowitomo decided to establish their own dance group to further develop both dance forms and preserve them for future generations.
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Broad attention
The cultural branch of Starliners officially started on January 11, 2022, shortly after the corona measures were relaxed. Within this group, various traditional dance styles from Indonesia are taught. Careful attention is paid to authentic clothing and accessories, which form an important part of the presentation.
The dance lessons also go further than learning choreographies. Food, clothing and history also receive attention. In this way, the group wants to give participants insight into the broader cultural background of Javanese traditions.
A special moment for the dance teacher and her dancers was their participation in the fifteenth edition of Carifesta last August in Barbados, also the first international performance. Wongsokarijo-Sastrowitomo considers that experience an honor and an important step in the development of Starliners.
Passing on tradition
A presentation will include the performance of the Tari Nandak, a dance that reflects the vibrant traditions of the Betawi women in Jakarta. In addition to her love for traditional dance forms, Sastrowitomo is also open to more modern styles. She sees dance as a means to bring people from different backgrounds together.
On September 26, Starliners took part in the Moengo Festival. The Poolo Boto section along the Cottica River was a special experience for the group. Starliners wants to continue building an environment in which movement, culture and encounters are central.
