The Founders of Syofyani's Dance and Music Ensemble
This group was first established on February 15, 1962 by some students of Andalas University and the Institute of Teacher Training and Education ( IKIP ) Padang, who had just come back from taking part a student cultural festival in Bali.
Syofyani who was still student at that time, was also one of the initiator of the group. Because of her talent as a dancer and a choreographer, as well as being very active member in group, she was appointed leader. All of the activities of the group took place in Bukittinggi, because Syofyani was studying at the English Department of IKIP Padang in Bukittinggi.
A young charming musician, Yusaf Rahman who was studying at the Faculty of Agriculture in Payakumbuh at that time, had became a motivator for the progress of the group. He arranged a lot of music to accompany the dances whish were created by Syofyani. They worked together for the group as if no day was without dance and music. After their marriage this couple has became the “heart” and the “essence” of this group Yusaf arranges the music and Syofyani choreographs the dances.
With its two studios in the two cities of Padang and Bukittinggi Syofyani’s Dance and Music group teaches around 350 children every year. Those children aged from 6-18, learn dancing and music once a week for 2 hours. With 10 professional teaches and 5 assistants, the children can learn about 6 dances in one year.
With the support of the Governor of West Sumatera, the Mayor of Bukittinggi, the Mayor of Padang and most importantly the Minangkabau art community, the group has becomes nationally and internationally well known and has performed in dozens of events and festivals around the world.