DANCING FOR THE LORD JESUS!

Malay folk dances are always associated with the joyous occasions for the Community such as planting, harvesting, fishing, hunting, weddings, engagements and circumcision ceremonies.

Some of these dances can be traced to animistic beliefs and rituals.The spirits of the land, wind, sun and so on are called upon to bless the village and thanksgiving for a good harvest.

It is also clear that since the 15th Century, Malaysia has had tremendous influx of traders and missionaries that brought with them their own culture, tradition and beliefs.The influence of Arabia, India, Thailand, Indonesia and China in many of the dances is still very clear.

EG:Zapin

A fast beat Malay folk dance which is in the past performed by males only but nowadays females are included.It is popular in Malaysia especially in the state of Johor. The dancers usually perform in pairs and are accompanied by a traditional music ensemble normally consists of the gambus, accordion, violin, marwas (bongos), rebana (drum) and dok.

ZAPIN, PERFORMED BY ASWARA (Academy of Art & Heritage, Malaysia) during Festival Zapin MAKUM 2007



EG: Inang renek ( slow, cute dance by maidens with long scarf)


A shift to fusion malay traditional dance
CONTEMPORARY VERSION OF A GAMELAN DANCE CALLED TIMANG BURUNG (FROM SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE MALAYSIA 2007)... check out the techno beat!