Textual study and character education values of Cegak dance in Ulak Patian Village

Abstract

Cegak Dance is a traditional dance of the Bonai community in Ulak Patian Village, Rokan Hulu Regency, Riau, derived from local folklore and preserved as part of the community’s cultural heritage. This study aims to analyze the textual form of the Cegak Dance and identify the character education values embedded in its performance. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation and analyzed through data reduction, data presentation, conclusion drawing, and a structural-functional perspective. The findings show that Cegak Dance consists of three main movements—Gerak Silek, Gerak Tikam, and Gerak Guguo—and is performed by five male dancers using dried banana-leaf costumes, banana-stem masks, Bobano accompaniment, and Lontang properties. The dance embodies character education values of patience, hard work, and gratitude. These findings highlight Cegak Dance's potential as a cultural resource for character education and local heritage preservation.