The Meaning of Social Interaction in Tauh Dance Jambi Society: A Performing Arts Perspective Tri Putra Mahardhika. H1. Angeline Azhar2. Sania Putri Oktaviani Andriyanti3. Ricky Subagja4. Fajar Hidayatulloh5 . hikakekoq71@gmail. com 1, angelineazhar1@gmail. com 2, saniaputrioa@gmail. com 3, subagjaricky40@gmail. com 4, fajarht@gmail. Institut Seni Budaya Indonesia. Bandung. Indonesia Abstract. The Tauh dance of the Jambi community, as a performance art rich in meaning, reflects the social interactions and daily life of its people. This article analyzes the meaning of social interactions in the Tauh dance through a literature study. Its distinctive movements, musical rhythms, and visual elements serve as a medium for communicating the values and social norms of the Jambi community. The research concludes that the Tauh dance is not merely entertainment, but a profound artistic narrative that depicts life, resistance against colonizers, and the collective values of the Jambi community. Keywords: Tauh dance. jambi community. performing arts 1 Introduction Performing arts, as the highest form of expression in human civilization, provide a stage for the rich cultural diversity laden with meaning . In this realm, the Tauh Dance from the Jambi community emerges as a manifestation of performing arts that encompasses more than just graceful movements and harmonious music. In the perspective of performing arts. Tauh Dance becomes a canvas where the meaning of social interaction in the Jambi community is beautifully portrayed . The significance of performing arts in understanding a culture can be seen through Tauh Dance, which is not merely a traditional dance but an artistic work reflecting the soul and social interactions of its people . In this context, this article will explore the meaning of social interaction in Tauh Dance of the Jambi Community from the perspective of performing arts. Each movement, piece of music, and visual element will be analyzed as an integral part of an artistic narrative that enriches our understanding of the social life of the Jambi community. By highlighting the perspective of performing arts, the explanation will delve deeper into the essence of Tauh Dance as a form of art that not only presents aesthetic beauty but also serves as a mirror to everyday life . How social interaction is reflected in every nuance of movement, how the rhythm of music becomes a harmonious accompaniment, all of these will be the focus to open the door to insights into the richness and depth of the meaning of performing arts in Tauh Dance of the Jambi Community. INCARTURE 2023. December 05-06. Bandung. Indonesia Copyright A 2025 EAI DOI 10. 4108/eai. 5-12-2023. 2 Research Method This study aims to delve into and analyze the meaning of social interaction in Tauh Dance of the Jambi Community, with a focus on the perspective of performing arts. In order to achieve this objective, the research method applied is literature study. Literature study is chosen as the research method due to its ability to summarize, analyze, and synthesize information from existing sources such as texts, articles, books, and other documentation . The first step in this study involves searching for literature relevant to the themes of Tauh Dance and social interaction in the Jambi community. After obtaining relevant literature, the next step is a thorough analysis of the content. Key information related to the meaning of social interaction in Tauh Dance is extracted and organized to form the basis of a comprehensive 3 Result and Discussion In the village of Rantau Pandan. Bungo Regency. Jambi Province, there is a traditional dance known as Tauh Dance. This dance depicts the cooperation of the youth . ujang-gadi. in the village of Rantau Pandan as they assist in the beselang tradition . According to tradition, the young men and women enjoy performing the Tauh dance after completing the rice harvesting work either in the evening or during the day. "Tauh" itself means to contact or invite, and in the context of the dance, it serves as an encouragement to dance, with the distance constrained by a stretched rope . 1 The Meaning of Movements in Tauh Dance Tauh Dance is one of the performing arts closely tied to the culture of the Jambi community, serving as a reflection of social interaction in their daily lives. An analysis of the meaning of each movement in Tauh Dance reveals the following aspects . Tauh Dance is part of the group of social dances often held during festive events, wedding celebrations, or other traditional ceremonies. The performance involves anywhere from eight to dozens of dance pairs, dressed in everyday attire such as baju kurung or kebaya. The duration of the performance is unlimited and depends on the joy of the audience, often lasting from dusk until morning. The Tauh dance is accompanied by distinctive movements, such as the male dancers' clapping, waving, and scanning gestures, while female dancers move gracefully with synchronized steps, lifting the tips of their feet together. The characteristic step in Tauh dance is known as "langkah tigo," reflecting a three-step movement where the right foot is followed by the left, and the right foot steps backward . The performance begins with an inviting or beckoning movement, where the person inviting to dance clasps their ten fingers in front of their chest. The front part of the sole moves up and down as the initial sign of the dance, while the second clap signifies the end of the dance. Dance pairs enter the dance arena, placing their hands on their right thighs as a sign of readiness to perform Tauh. Once in the arena, they engage in Tauh with free movements, sometimes spinning, and more . Fig. The movements of Tauh Dance in Jambi are performed in pairs by women and men. Every movement in Tauh Dance holds semiotic meaning as a sign system representing the values and social norms of the Jambi community. For instance, the lifting movement symbolizes colonial influence, while the "langkah tigo" movement represents the cultural identity of the Jambi community. Similarly, the inviting gesture holds the meaning of initiating the Through semiotic analysis, the symbolic meanings of each movement can be interpreted as a reflection of the socio-cultural situation in the Jambi community. Dance movements serve as an effective means of communication, conveying messages of values and norms prevalent in the society. 2 Musical Harmony as a Mirror of Social Interaction The rhythm found in Tauh Dance provides an insight into the spirit and resilience of the Jambi community in facing Dutch colonial domination. The sharp and consistent rhythm creates an atmosphere of tension that reflects the sacredness and strength possessed by the Jambi community in confronting such challenges. The melody in Tauh Dance depicts collective joy and the beliefs held by the Jambi community. The dominance of the violin instrument with long notes reflects the strength and existence of the Jambi community in their collective struggle . The musical instruments accompanying the dance involve various traditional instruments, including wooden xylophones, gongs, drums, and violins, along with vocals known as krinok. Krinok is a poetic verse sung by men or women, often in the form of responsive rhymes describing youth and life's fate . In the past. Tauh Dance served as a means to convey one's feelings to a loved one. However, today. Tauh Dance is difficult to find, even considered extinct, except in some traditional events, entertainment nights, and official ceremonies organized by the local government. The disappearance of Tauh Dance is regarded as a significant threat by traditional elders in Rantau Pandan to the preservation of traditional art in the region. Fig. The musical accompaniment in the Tauh Dance of Jambi. Music in Tauh Dance also holds semiotic meaning as a sign system representing the sociocultural values of the Jambi community. For example, the dynamic and energetic rhythm symbolizes the spirit of resistance against colonialism. Meanwhile, specific melodies and tones played reflect the joy and happiness of the Jambi community. The choice of traditional musical instruments such as kelintang, gong, and drums also signifies the cultural identity of the local The lyrics or krinok sung also convey messages about social life. Thus, the musical element in Tauh Dance plays a crucial role as a means of communication for the values and social norms of the Jambi community. Through semiotic analysis of the music in Tauh Dance, the symbolic meanings within it can be interpreted in-depth. 3 Visual elements in Tauh Dance as a Representation of Social Interaction In the Tauh Dance of the Jambi community, visual elements play an integral role in conveying messages related to social interaction and cultural heritage. Some key visual aspects include costumes and makeup, all of which can provide profound insights into the cultural and social context . The most prominent visual element in Tauh Dance is the costume worn by the dancers. Tauh Dance performers wear "baju kurung teluk belanga," typically in golden yellow adorned with beadwork on the chest and sleeves, although variations may include white. The yellow color symbolizes grandeur. Additionally, batik cloth with plant motifs is wrapped around the dancers' waists, symbolizing life and fertility. Other visual elements include accessories worn by the dancers, such as bracelets, necklaces, and headpieces or crowns. These ornaments, made from materials like beads and imitation pearls, symbolize the social status of the dancers. Not all dancers wear earrings or pendants. Dancers wear headpieces or crowns made of fabric adorned with beads to symbolize noble Furthermore, facial makeup and hairstyling are crucial visual elements. The dancers' faces are adorned with thick powder and precisely curved eyebrows to emphasize the character of a princess. All visual elements in the costumes and makeup of Tauh Dance collectively represent the values and social order of ancient society, even though they have been modified to suit the modern era. Tauh Dance continues to depict social interaction through the visual presentation of costumes and makeup on its performers . 4 Conclusion The Tauh Dance in the Jambi community is more than just a traditional dance showcasing beautiful movements. it is also a profound form of performing arts that reflects social interactions and the life of its society. By delving into the meaning of each movement, the rhythm of the music, and the visual elements in Tauh Dance, this research reveals significant aspects that mirror the social and cultural values of the Jambi community. In the context of performing arts. Tauh Dance is not merely a means of entertainment but also an artistic narrative that communicates the values, social norms, and local history of the Jambi community. Through semiotic analysis of the movements, musical rhythm, and visual elements, this research concludes that each aspect of Tauh Dance serves as an effective medium to convey profound messages about daily life, resistance against colonialism, and the collective values of the Jambi community. Overall, this research makes a significant contribution to understanding the essence of performing arts as a reflection and embodiment of social interactions within a cultural community. References