Men’s Role in Bedana Dance in Negeri Olok Gading, Bandar Lampung, Lampung Province

The aim of this article was describing the result of research on man’s role in Bedana dance in Negeri Olok Gading, Bandar Lampung, Lampung. This research used qualitative paradigm with descriptive method. The techniques of data collection used in this research were observation, interview, and documentation. The approach of this research was culturalhistorical and ethnochoreological approach. The result of this research showed that Bedana dance firstly appeared in Palembang village, Teluk Betung, Lampung in 1942. Afterwards, it developed through the entire Lampung. Bedana dance was originally used for Syiar Islam (spreading Islamic religion). Later on, the purpose changed to be a performance or entertainment. Bedana dance was performed by two men. The man’s role in Bedana dance symbolized Bedana as da’wah (Islamic preaching) media had religious norms in which the dance itself could not be performed by non-mahram (illegal relatives) couple in order to maintain the norms. It also functioned as the identity of Bedana dance itself.