Zapin (Jawi: زافين) is a dance form that is popular in Malaysia (especially in the state of Johor, Pahang and Selangor) and in Indonesia, especially inMalay-populated provinces in Sumatera (Riau Province, Jambi province, Riau Islands Province, North Sumatera, and Bangka-Belitung Islands) and West Kalimantan. It is believed to have been introduced by Arab, Muslim missionaries from the Middle East in the fourteenth century.
In the old days, only males were allowed to perform; nowadays, female dancers are included. It used to be performed exclusively for religious ceremonies but through the years it has become a form of traditional entertainment, hence the participation of female dancers is allowed.
The dancers usually perform in pairs and are accompanied by a traditional music ensemble which normally consists of the gambus, accordion, rebab,marwas (bongos), rebana (drum) and dok.
INANG Inang dance is amodernized version of traditional mak inang folk dance. It is a performed at a social functions. This dance moves at fast tempo set by the rebana, biola and gendang. The mak inang song and dance originated during the period of the Malacca Sultanate. The song is said to have been composed by the order of Sultan Mahmud Shah possibly as a lullaby to help him to go sleep. The dance is very graceful and has all the qualities of a palace performance. This dance is also called Tarian Si Kembang Cina and it is a strong Chinese flavour in the music. Sometimes the dancershold long scarves during the performances.  Sumazau is a traditional folk dance of Sabah Sabah is well known in and around Malaysia . It is a dance tradition Kadazandusun often presented in Tadau Kaamatan which means Harvest Day is celebrated in the state of Sabah on each May. This elegantly dance inspiration is from an eagle flight patterns seen the rest of the farmers in the fields during harvest. Each dancer is what makes this dance must move a few centimeters from another dancer without contact. Dance ritual fulfill a variety of functions such as a pulled Sumazau thanksgiving for activities associated with planting and harvesting rice and also to reject the army, menyemah spirit, and cure diseases. This dance is performed by the peasants made up of men and women to wear their traditional dress. The dance i s played with accompaniment beating gongs , gong usually 6 pieces of various sizes and a drum with a specific rhythm. Duration and pace of shot is elegantly gong vary by region and country. The dance is danced with both hands raised to shoulder level and dikibar-Flag kipasan like bird wings, as the tempo tunes played slowly and gently. The dancers, male and female, and their front face moving his legs with small steps, heels up and down to the beat of the music. While dancing dikepakkan hand and move it down just like a bird flying. Sumazau is usually performed during festive occasions and gatherings, but the original purpose of this dance is to welcome "Bambaazon" (rice spirit) is commonly done in after harvest. Sumazau dancers consisting of men and women usually wore black decorated with interesting patterns using gold thread. The female dancers adorned with scarves and belts (tangkong) made of silver coins (trade dollars). Male dancers will usually cursing tanjak while dressed all in black and menyendang silad leaves dry. Now dance elegantly held in many gatherings such as wedding receptions, entertainment occasions welcoming dignitaries, where it was also performed by all attendees regardless of race and age to enliven the occasion without wearing clothes traditional black. M |
