As a whole, East Java has diverse cultures, like Bapang Mask Dance (Tari Topeng Bapang), Ganongan Dance, Ludruk, Reog, Gandrung Dance, and so on. Generally, the East Java traditional dances can be categorized into Jawa Tengahan style, Jawa Timuran style, Osing style, and Madura style. Some of the classic dances are Gandrung, Gambyong, Srimpi, Bodan, and Kelana.  

Reog is Ponorogo’s iconic traditional art that has become the representation of East Java on the world stage. Reog performance is accompanied by the leathered horse (kuda lumping), normally full of a supernatural atmosphere. In addition, Ludruk is one of the most well-known ‘Jawa Timuran’ (East Java) traditional arts, where all the performers are men. Unlike ketoprak, which tells stories about palace life, ludruk tells stories about the commoners’ daily lives, spiced with humor and social criticism. 

In two regencies, Bondowoso and Jember, two traditional arts are similar to the lion dance (barongsai). Singo Ulung is the traditional art from Bondowoso while Can-Macanan Kadduk is from Jember. However, unfortunately, both arts are rarely found today. 

Image sources:

Muhammad Iqbal/Wikimedia Commons

Ganongan Sudanto Ponco Sularso/Wikimedia Commons

consigliere ivan/Wikimedia Commons

Danikristianw/Wikimedia Commons

Candra Firmansyah/Wikimedia Commons

Yogie asmi/Wikimedia Commons