Makna Gerak Tari Buai-Buai Di Nagari Kasang Kecamatan Batang Anai Kabupaten Padang Pariaman

This study aims to reveal and describe the meaning of the Buai-buai dance movements in Nagari Kasang, Batang Anai District, Padang Pariaman Regency. The research is qualitative with a descriptive analytical method. The data used in this study are primary and secondary data. Data collection techniques are carried out through observation, interviews, literature review, and documentation. The steps in analysing the data are collecting data, describing data, identifying data, and concluding data. Research shows that the movements in the Buai-buai dance each have names and meanings; for example: the Sambah movement represents respect, the Maayun Anak movement depicts parents putting their child to sleep, the Malenggang movement represents walking to the rice fields, the Mancangkua movement depicts hoeing the fields, the Batanam movement represents planting rice, the Basiang Padi movement depicts clearing pests, the Maalau Buruang movement represents chasing away pests or birds, the Buruang Tabang movement depicts fields being clear of pests and ready for harvest, and the Manyabik movement represents harvesting rice. So overall, it represents love, hard work, togetherness and gratitude to Allah SWT. Buai-buai dance is unstructured, meaning anyone can dance it, regardless of age, whether old or young. Each performance of Buai-buai dance, held at different times and places, will experience changes in movements or floor patterns according to each area's location.