File:Gandrung Lanang.jpg

English: Previously, this dance was performed by men who dressed like women. The development of Islam in Blambangan is one of the factors why the Gandrung dance is no longer performed by men who dress like women. Gandrung Lanang is starting to disappear because of Islamic philosophy which states that men dressing up like women is taboo. The Gandrung Lanang era also stopped after the last dancer, Marsan, died. Initially, Gandrung could only be danced specifically for the descendants of the previous dancers.

History begins in 1895, tells of a little boy who was 10 years old, his name was Semi. From this story, Semi has to face a difficult ordeal, namely having a very serious illness. Her parents have done various ways, including going to a traditional healer to cure her daughter. However, these efforts were not successful.

Once upon a time, the mother, Mak Midhah, vowed that if her daughter recovered, she would make her Seblang. However, if he does not recover, he withdraws his words. After the vow was made, Semi was cured and at the same time made her a Seblang. From this there is a new round, the dance is finally played by a woman.

The tradition began with Gandrung being played by Semi, then other girls followed in Semi's footsteps. This is where the first name Gandrung became famous. This art has developed so that it is heard throughout Banyuwangi, as well as becoming a hallmark of the city. In the early 1970's, many young girls, not of compulsive descent, began to learn the dance and made it a source of livelihood.