Nan Jombang Dance Company was established in 1983 under the direction of Ery Mefri. The name of this dance troupe was derived from the title of a choreographic work by Ery Mefri called Nan Jombang. Along with the Nan Jombang Dance Company, Ery Mefri has produced a number of modern dance performances rooted in the traditions of the Minangkabau people of West Sumatra. The Nan Jombang Dance Group has performed in various domestic and international forums, such as American Dance Festival in Durham, North Carolina and New York, the United States (1994); Contemporary Dance Festival at STSI Padang Panjang (1995); as well as the 3 Nation Choreography Work Forum: Indonesia, America and South Korea (2000). It also undertook a dance tour called Night Dance (Tarian Malam) to Singapore, Australia and the United States (2012). In 2008, Ery Mefri was honored as an artist dedicated to the art and culture of West Sumatra with the Tuah Sakato Award by the Governor of West Sumatra.
Rantau Berbisik (Whisperings of Exile): The piece is inspired by the long tradition of Minangkabau men migration across the archipelago to make their fortune before returning home. It brings together the physical, the spiritual, the ancient and the contemporary in what can only be described as a dance “tour de force”
Emigration has been a long tradition with Minangkabau society. Generations of rather young males have been leaving their families and native villages to fend for themselves.
By enduring emigration, they develop into mature human beings capable of facing the hardships of life. In their strife of survival they have contributed to the spread of Warung Nasi Padang (Padang food– eateries) all over Indonesia as a cultural contribution. Motto:”wherever you are, adapt yourself ‘till it becomes your home as well”.
Ery Mefri Founder & Leader: Ery Mefri was born on June 23, 1958 in Saniangbaka, Solok, West Sumatera. His first choreography was born 27 years later in 1983 – a dance that he called “Nan Jombang” – whose title then became the name of a dance company he established and lead up until today.
His journey was triggered by the passion to express himself by combining his own potentials with the Minangkabau culture and traditions – in which he believes to hold endless possibilities and interpretations. The idea was simple – to create a new design of choreography that spiritually, instead of just stylistically, roots in tradition. A challenge – a mission – that was posed against his thoughts and mind as a choreographer.
Ery Mefri’s contemporary dance numbers are always attached to his Minangkabau cultural roots. In each one, Minangkabau traditions evolved into a spirit that moves the dance itself. The philosophy, “alam takambang jadi guru,” or “nature becomes the teacher,” is paired with technique, resulted in synchronized values – a harmony that is achieved through creating and being a choreographer. It is as important as asking questions, studying the existence of the modern, and the traditional aspects of a body of work.
