Lamongan – The K.H. Hisyam Convention Hall, 10th Floor of the Muhammadiyah University of Lamongan (Umla) Tower, was abuzz on Thursday (9/1/25). Not by scientific orations, but by the beat of traditional music and the graceful movements of stunning dance.

Today, the Elementary School Teacher Education Study Program (PGSD) Umla is holding a grand event: an arts and culture performance entitled “Creativity without Limits, Knitting Arts and Culture to Create Diverse Identities”. Hundreds of pairs of eyes, from the ranks of Umla leaders, lecturers, educators, to students, were transfixed watching the cultural richness that was displayed.

The event was opened beautifully by the Mayang Madu Dance, followed by the Zafin Melayu Dance, and culminated in a special performance by the PGSD Umla lecturers who performed the Jaranan Dance. The energetic performance of these lecturers successfully captivated the audience and immediately made the atmosphere even more lively with burning enthusiasm and spirit.

The PGSD UMLA students were no less stunning. They presented a series of traditional dances typical of the archipelago that are rich in meaning. The Sesonderan Dance brings the joy of the Javanese people, while the Sintren Dance presents a mystical nuance and cultural beauty. The audience was also invited to reminisce about their childhood through the Dolanan Dance which carries the theme of traditional games. Not only that, the Sorote Lintang Dance, a contemporary dance wrapped in strong traditional elements, also enlivened the event. Strength and togetherness are beautifully depicted in the Jaran Dawuh Dance. As a closing, the Boran Dance performed captivatingly, telling the story of the life of a seller of nasi boran, a culinary specialty of Lamongan.

He reminded about the great responsibility of a teacher. "A teacher, in every word and action, becomes an example for his students," he said. He added that a teacher must have at least four main competencies: "The first is personality, the second is pedagogical competence, the third is professional competence, and the fourth is social competence."

With the theme "Creativity Without Limits," this performance is expected to be a forum to introduce the richness of Indonesian arts and culture. More than that, this event is also an encouragement for the younger generation, especially students of PGSD Umla, to continue to work and innovate without limits in maintaining and developing the nation's arts and culture.

This performance proves that art and culture remain sustainable in the midst of modernization, beautifully woven by the creativity of the nation's next generation.