| The Dances
A cultural extravagenza in full
swing
Mak Yong
Among the many different traditional theatre of the Malays, no other
dance drama has a more captivating appeal than Mak Yong. This ancient
classic court entertainment combine romantic stories, operatic singing
and humour.
Joget
The Joget is the most popular traditional dance of Malaysia. It is a
lively rendition with fast upbeat tempo and performed by couples who
combine fast hand and leg movements. The Joget has its origins traced
back to the Portuguese folk dance which was introduced to Malacca during
the era of the spice trade.
Sumazau
The Sumazau is the national dance of Sabah. Dancers comprising two rows
of men and women, dance facing each other in a slow rhythmic movement,
with hand gestures imitating the flight of birds. Candle Dance Dancers
hold a small saucer to which a lighted candle is firmly stuck. With
graceful body movements, dancers turn saucers upside down without
allowing candles to be extinguished.
Kuda Kepang
The Kuda Kepang dance is performed by nine dancers who are seated
astride a two dimensional 'horse' made of hide. The dancers re-enact the
early Islamic battles in enthusiastic gestures and vigorous action. This
dance-drama is performed in accompaniment to a rich and exotic rendition
of traditional music played with indigenous instruments such as gongs,
tambourines and angklungs.
Chinese Opera
Seen on special Chinese festivals such as the Festival of Hungry Ghosts,
actors in heavy make-up and elaborate costumes perform period dramas
laced with songs backed by traditional music.
Datun Julud
The Datun Julud is a populardance of Sarawak. It symbolizes the
happiness of a prince for being blessed with a grandson. It was from
this divine blessing that the dance became widespread among the Kenyah
tribe of Sarawak. The Sape, a musical instrument renders the dance beats
which are often accompanied by singing and clapping of hands.
Classical Indian Dances
Classical Indian dances are traditionally performed in temples by
devadasi (servants of God) because these dances are regarded as an
offering to God, higher than offerings of donations, flowers or mantras
(prayers).
One such temple dance is the
Bharata Natyam which originated in South India in the 3rd century.
Bharata Natyam has great religious significance. The traditional
obeisance to God is always observed by the dancer before performing the
dance.
Bharata Natyam involves six
stages in the performance which combine the elements of Nritta (pure
dance) and Nritya (expressive dance). Nritta comprises basic dance units
called Adavus. Each Adavus contains three elements-the standing
position, the movement of legs and feet and the hand gestures. Music is
based on ragas (tunes).
Bhangra
The Bhangra Dance, is very much a feature of the Sikh community and has
its roots in Punjab, India. A harvest dance, it incorporates dexterity
of the dancers and a host of stunts. The Bhangra is a vibrant and
colourful dance accompanied by a medley of folk songs and a musical
instrument such as the drum tambourine and a musical clapper.
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