Ethnomathematics in Balinese Traditional Dance: A Study of Angles in Hand Gestures

• Published in: Journal of physics. Conference series 2021-02, Vol.1779 (1), p.12074
• Main Authors: Radiusman, R, Wardani, K S K, Apsari, R A, Nurmawanti, I, Gunawan, G
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Angles (geometry); Angles in Hand Gestures; Balinese Traditional Dance; Dance; Ethnomathematics; Physics
• ISSN: 1742-6588; 1742-6596
• DOI: 10.1088/1742-6596/1779/1/012074

The study was aimed to explore the ethnomathematics in hand gestures of Balinese traditional dances. The scope of ethnomathematics discussed was limited to the geometry object, specifically angles. The object of the study was Pendet Dance, one of the popular traditional dance from Bali which usually perform to welcome the guest in a formal and informal event. The method of the research was a case study in which we deeply analyse the hand gestures in Pendet Dance. The data were gathered from observation of the dance and interview the experts in Balinese Dance. The data were analysed qualitatively using descriptive method. From the analysis, it was found that the hand gestures of the dancers in Pendet Dance is forming three types of angles, i.e. acute angle (0° < a < 90°), right angle (a = 90°) and obtuse angle (90° < a < 180°). The angles can be seen in a number of pattern of the hand gestures such as in ngumbang, agem, ulap-ulap and ngelung movement.