Reog Ponorogo

Reog is a traditional Indonesian dance which combined traditional art dance with magical show. There are many type of Reogs in Indonesia, but the most famous one is Reog Ponorogo.

The origin story reog ponorogo developed in the society there are several versions but the official version reog ponorogo storyline at the moment is about the King Ponorogo who intend applying princess Kediri, at one time the king Ponorogo namely Kelana Sewandana escorted by Patih Bujanganom and Warok troops  (men who have magic powers with characteristic black clothes) want to apply a princess of the royal kediri named Dewi Sanggalangit (Dewi Ragil Kuning), but the way the king ponorogo intercepted by Singo Barong the forest guards Lodaya. This Singo Barong troops consists of peacocks and lions, and at that time there was fierce fighting between warok troops from the kingdom of ponorogo with Singo Barong troops. Battle of these two forces which is considered as one source of reference for dance performances reog ponorogo.

The last scene in this reog ponorogo dance is Singo Barong scene, where the dancers wear masks lion-shaped head with a crown made of peacock feathers. Weight mask can reach 60-70 kg. heavy mask is carried by the dancers only with teeth. The ability to bring these masks in addition to obtained with a strenuous workout, also obtained by spiritual practices like fasting and isolate oneself (penance). Many people believe the Reog dance has mythical power since the dancers usually perform in trance condition.

Arts reog almost uniformly held throughout the regency of ponorogo, East Java, Indonesia, but to place and time performances that are routinely tourists can see it in ponorogo downtown.