The Biomechanics of Character Types in Javanese Dance

Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe and compare the different character sub-types of Javanese dance from a biomechanical perspective. One professional dancer was asked to repeat a basic motion (standing-up) according to the movement rules that pertain to six character sub-types (humble-refined, proud-refined, humble-strong, proud-strong, monkey, and bird). A motion capture system consisting of seven infrared cameras with a sample rate of 100 Hz and two force plates with a sample rate of 1,000 Hz were used to capture kinematics and kinetics. There were significant differences in the biomechanical values we calculated for each character sub-type: range of motion, angular velocity, and ground reaction forces. The refined sub-types (humble-refined and proud-refined) showed the lowest values at the knee joint for range of motion and the lowest ankle, shoulder, and wrist angular velocities. This result suggests that low values in these measurements are related to the smooth movements of refined sub-types. These measurements help describe and contrast the motion patterns of Javanese dance, contributing both to the scientific analysis of Javanese dance and the application of biomechanics to the study of dance more generally.