KBRN, Jakarta: Kartini Kisam, a Betawi's Topeng Tunggal dance maestro, never expected to become a legendary figure in this traditional art form. Kartini is the third generation to inherit the Betawi Topeng Tunggal dance from her grandmother, Mak Kinang.

In the 1930s, Mak Kinang and her husband, Kong Djioen, created the Betawi Topeng Tunggal dance. This dance portrays various human characters, from gentle and agile to strong and powerful.

This unique Betawi dance form involves a single dancer wearing different masks to portray multiple characters in a single performance. It's a testament to the dancer's versatility and expressive power.

"I learned from my grandmother, initially introduced by my father. Then, my grandmother agreed to teach me the Topeng Tunggal dance," Kartini told rri.co.id at the Arca Courtyard, National Museum, in Jakarta this week.

Kartini shared that as a child, she was merely an audience member of the Betawi Topeng Tunggal dance performances. However, she was drawn to this art form and felt compelled to preserve this unique Betawi tradition.

Throughout her journey, Kartini admitted to learning other traditional Betawi dances. However, she chose to focus on the Topeng Tunggal dance, which was a precious heritage passed down by her grandmother.

"I once learned other creative dances. But in the end, I returned to the Topeng Tunggal dance, as it is a legacy from my grandmother," Kartini said.

To preserve the cultural tradition entrusted to her by her grandmother, Kartini established the Ratnasari dance studio in Jakarta in 1977. Currently, 60 students practice dance at her studio every Wednesday and Saturday from 3 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jakarta time.

As a renowned Betawi Topeng Tunggal dancer, Kartini revealed that she relies solely on dance practice to maintain her stamina. Typically, before each dance session, she warms up her body.

"Usually, people my age do aerobics. But I'm different; I only use dance as my exercise. Even before dancing, I do body conditioning," she said.

In her efforts to preserve Indonesia's authentic arts, especially those from Betawi, Kartini encourages the younger generation to learn and develop local culture. According to her, preserving culture is one way to ensure its survival.

The Betawi people are an ethnic group native to the Jakarta area. They have a rich cultural heritage, influenced by various cultures such as Javanese, Sundanese, Chinese, and Arab.

Betawi culture is known for its vibrant traditions, including music, dance, and culinary arts. Topeng Tunggal is one of Betawi's cultural heritage's most iconic and cherished expressions. ***