Dance Costume Innovation Through Abstract Batik Collaboration: MSME Mentoring Model Based on Performing Arts and Design

Innovation in the development of abstract batik-based dance costumes is a strategic effort to strengthen collaboration between performing arts and textile crafts while empowering batik MSMEs. The background of this activity is the challenges faced by MSMEs in product diversification and creative market access, as well as the need for performing arts for costumes that are not only functional, but also have high artistic value. This research aims to create a collaborative design model that integrates the expression of dance movements with abstract batik motifs through a practice-based and participatory approach. The method used involves students from the dance, fashion design, and batik craft study programs, together with MSME partners, to produce batik fabric with splash, spontaneous, and color gradation techniques, which are then realized into contemporary dance costumes. The process starts from identifying the concept of dance movements, designing abstract motif visuals, making batik fabrics, to the production and testing of costumes in performances. The results showed that abstract batik motifs were able to strengthen the visual and expressive dimensions of the costumes, in harmony with the dancers' body dynamics. The resulting costumes not only meet aesthetic and comfort aspects, but also enrich the visual experience of the audience. The evaluation showed a positive impact on MSME partners, especially in building design capacity, daring to explore non-traditional motifs, and openness to new market segments. This collaboration also proves that the cross-disciplinary synergy-based mentoring model is able to produce innovative products while empowering creative economy actors. This activity recommends replicating similar programs in various regions with different local potentials, in order to expand cultural influence and strengthen the national creative economy ecosystem.