Cokek Dance

Cokek Dance is one of the traditional Betawi dances that has been performed since the beginning of the 20th century. The word Cokek means artists or singers who are often also called anak wayang (performers in wayang/shadow puppet show). To add the allure of the Cokek show, a quick dance movements called ibing (joget) was added. Because of the allure of Cokek, the ibing motion performed by Cokek singer is called Cokek Dance. Cokek Dance costumes are not of complicated design, so simplicity is an important factor. Generally, Cokek dancers only use long kebaya with batik cloth or trousers. This dance is usually performed at wedding receptions and the likes.

In theory, all Gambang Kromong songs can accompany Cokek Dance. But in practice, only a few songs were used as accompaniment to Cokek Dance, namely Gelatik Nguk-Nguk, Cente Manis Berdiri, and Stambul Jalan. The motion pattern of Cokek Dance is actually not too complicated, because this dance is functioned as a social dance, where the dancer will sneak cukin cloth (long cloth like a scarf wrapped around the waist or draped around the neck) to the audience she chooses, usually a male audience. The audience who was chosen typically does not reject the invitation from the Cokek dancers. When dancing together, the audience usually gives tips money called sawer.

Cokek Dance has moral message that must always be remembered and practiced in everyday life. For example, it reveals how humans must respect their own body. By remembering that, humans will not fall prey into relationships that can damage themselves, their homes and environments.