Beyond tradition: negotiating bodily agency and sociocultural dynamics in the contemporary Minangkabau choreography of Loravianti and Hartati

This study examines contemporary Minangkabau dance, emphasizing how female choreographers reconcile traditional matrilineal customs with sociocultural interpretations of Islam in West Sumatra. It underscores the innovative methodologies of choreographers Loravianti and Hartati, illustrating how such approaches shape their artistic and social identities. Employing an ethnographic case study, the research integrates movement analysis and thematic coding to explore the transformation of pencak silat, historically dominated by males, into a more feminine form of expression. The results reveal that this negotiation transpires across three interconnected levels: sociocultural, identity-based, and physical. Despite challenges posed by conservative perspectives on Islam and gender roles, these choreographers derive resilience from cultural symbols, such as the philosophy of Alam Takambang Jadi Guru and the ethical principles of Sumbang Duo Baleh, to substantiate their creative endeavors. By highlighting these commendable efforts, the study provides valuable insights into dance and gender dynamics in Southeast Asia, demonstrating how female artists use art to cultivate cultural resilience and foster positive social transformation within patriarchal societies.