Dances Among Malaysians
Datuk Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hj. Su‘aidi Dato’ Hj. Safei
Fan Dance This is a classical Chinese dance that dates back to the Tang dynasty in the early eighty century.
Fan Dance The fan dance originates from the fan performances in ancient psychic conducts & folk-custom activities
Fan Dance This dance features round silk or feather fans which is accompanied by music using Chinese instruments, such as Erhu and Pipa that is characterized by its refreshing & poetic mood
Fan Dance Fans play a big part in Chinese folk dance especially to people in the north part of China. They use all kinds of beautiful fans in their dances to express their excitement for the coming springs.
The fan dance highlights delicate movements with constantly changing rhythm, which is dynamic and graceful.
Fan Dance This dance displays many formations & patterns such as flowers, waves & dragons
Lion & Dragon Dance
Lion dance (wǔshī) is a form of traditional dance in Chinese culture and other Asian countries in which performers mimic a lion's movements in a lion costume.
The lion dance is usually performed during the Chinese New Year and other Chinese traditional, cultural & religious festivals.
It may also be performed at important occasions such as business opening events, special celebrations or wedding ceremonies, or may be used to honour special guests by the Chinese communities.
The Chinese lion dance is often mistakenly referred to as dragon dance. An easy way to tell the difference is that a lion is normally operated by two dancers, while a dragon needs many people.
Also, in a lion dance, the performers' faces are only seen occasionally, since they are inside the lion. In a dragon dance, the performers' faces can be easily seen since the dragon is held on poles. Chinese lion dance fundamental movements can be found in most Chinese martial arts.
Lion & Dragon Dance
Zapin Zapin is popular in Indonesia & Malaysia, especially in Johor. It is believed to have been introduced by Arab Muslim who came from Middle East in 14th century.
Zapin It used to be performed exclusively for religious ceremonies but through the years it has become a form of traditional entertainment.
Zapin When this dance is present, it is accompanied by traditional music instruments such as the gambus, accordion, violin, marwas, rebana (drum) & dok
Zapin There are numerous forms of Zapin Dances. It varies from state to state,for example Zapin Pahang, Zapin Johor & Zapin kajang.
Zapin The dance was originally performed by males only however it is also performed by female dancers these days.
Kolattam ‘Kolattam’ or the stick dance is one of the most popular dance narratives in Andhra Pradesh. It is also called as Kolannalu or Kolkolannalu.
Kolattam Kolattam is a rural art usually performed during village festivals. It is a combination of rhythmic movements, songs & music.
Kolattam It is known as Dandia ras in Gujrat, Garbha in Rajasthan etc. The Kolattam group comprises of dancers in the range of 8 to 40 which is grouped in pairs.
Kolattam The stick provides the main rhythm. The Kolattam group led by a leader moves into two circles, the inner circle receives the strikes while the outer circle delivers them.
Ngajat Ngajat dance is very famous among Orang Ulu at Sarawak. The origin of this indigenous dance is not clearly known but it is a spiritual & physical practice, believed to have been performed by warriors on their return from battles.
Ngajat This dance is now performed to celebrate the most important harvest festival called ‘Gawai’, to welcome important guests to the longhouses.
Ngajat The male dancers wear large feather as part of their headgear, hold an ornate & long shield in their hand with chains, beads & a loincloths called the ‘cawat’
Ngajat The female dancers have an elaborate headdress, chains, beads and a ‘dress’ that reaches below of their knees with intricate weaving. Traditionally this dance was only performed by male dancers but not anymore.
Ngajat The dance is arranged in straight lines & in a circle & involves dramatic leaps & jumps performed by the male dancers with accompany of music.
Ngajat Gongs and other ethnic percussion instruments such as the ‘enkeromong’, ‘badai’, ‘canang’, ‘tetawak’ and ‘dumbak or ketebong’ provide the music.
Sumazau This dance is one of the most well known traditional dance in Sabah as well as throughout Malaysia.
Sumazau This dance belong to the Kadazan Dusun tribe. This ritual dance serves varied function such as thanksgiving for bountiful paddy planting, harvesting prayer against evil spirits and honouring the spirits as well as to cure illness.
Sumazau The movements & rhythms of this dance are elegant, soft & slow. The dancers, male & female, will face each other, move their feet in small movements & move heels up & down to the beat of the music.
Sumazau While dancing, the dancers will spread up their hands & move it up & down just like a bird spreading their wings to fly. This Sumazau dance is usually performed during festival occasions & gatherings.