REFERENCES

1.Preview of Malay Traditional dance.(2010) Citrawarna Malaysia. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XW0xJhp3A4g

2.Zapin. Dancemalaysia.com. Retrieved from  http://www.dancemalaysia.com/dance/traditional/folk_dance/zapin/zapin.htm

3.Joget. Malay Traditional dance. Retrieved from  
https://sites.google.com/site/1132702789v1/joget

4.Inang. Malaysian Folk Music. Retrieved from 
 http://malaysianfolkmusic.weebly.com/music-for-dance.html

5.Zapin Pulau.(2008) Festival Zapin. Retrieved
from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhGTUBa8kGA

6.Mak Yong. Mak Yong The Ancient Malay Dance Theater. Retrieved from  http://www.angelfire.com/ga/Jannat/MakYong.html  

7.Mak Yong Dance.(2009) Mak Yong Raja Kecik Dewa Laksana. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watchv=WdagWbSPq84

8.Joget. Malaysian Cultural Dance. Retrieved from https://sites.google.com/site/prashantini1132701751/dance/malay-dance/joget-dance

9.Joget Pahang Dance.(2012). The Cultural Night. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOqMz-0tA1s

10.Malay Gamelan. Dance Malaysia. Retrieved from http://www.dancemalaysia.com/Dance/Traditional/Court_Dance/Gamelan/gamelan.htm

11.Malay Gamelan Dance.(2012) Malaysia Classical Dance PeTA TARI ASWARA. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9EqSu81wqM

12.Ngajat Dance. The Land Of Hornbill's Celebrations. Retrieved from  https://sharmabelle.wordpress.com/the-gawai-festival/introduction/ngajat-dance/

13.Ngajat Dance.(2012) Malaysian Ethnic Dance PeTA TARI ASWARA. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgiSHAqZHLw

14. Asli. Warisan Tarian Melayu. Retrieved from

http://warisantarianmelayu.blogspot.my/2009/03/tarian-asli.html

15.Asli Dance. Festival Tari 2007-BRIGED SENI MELAKA. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoKcySIzDvg

16.Traditional Music Instruments.(2013) Dino Lingo Educational Blog. Retrieved from http://dinolingo.com/blog/2013/09/27/malaysian-traditional-music-and-instruments-malaysian-culture-for-kids/#.VuG9aEMdBrM

17. Kuda Kepang. Yayasan Warisan Johor. Retrieved from 

http://www.ywj.gov.my/warisanv2/index.php/seni-tari/tarian-kuda-kepang

18. Kuda Kepang is Prohibited. Portal Fatwa Malaysia Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM)  http://www.e-fatwa.gov.my/fatwa-negeri/hukum-permainan-kuda-kepang-di-negeri-johor

PROHIBITED TRADITIONAL DANCE IN ISLAM

KUDA KEPANG(17)

Kuda kepang is a traditional dance commonly performed by Malays in the Malaysian state of Johor. The dance had strong links with spirit possession and often dancers went into a trance-like state. Kuda Kepang is performed by nine dancers who are seated astride a two dimensional 'horse'. Kuda is the Malay word for "horse" while kepang means "braid". The horse was made from braided strips of rattan, or alternatively made from leather. It is a flat "horse" that the dancer straddles.

The Kuda Kepang troupe started off with routine formations, swaying and traipsing along mellow, repetitive rhythms of gendang, gong and gamelan. They then took turns to dip their heads into the billowing smoke of the kemenyan, and continued moving to the rhythms of the music, eventually breaking out into scatters, each individual embodying animalistic characters; their fingers curling, their bodies bending and twisting in silat martial arts style. This dance is performed in accompaniment to a rich and exotic rendition of traditional music played with indigenous instruments such as gongs, tambourines and angklungs.

However according to Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (Jakim)(18) through e-fatwa government blog Kuda Kepang dance is prohibited. It is believed during Kuda Kepang dance, there will be summoning spirits for the purpose of asking for help through a series of spells. Besides, Kuda Kepang ceremonies is practising of serving food that is known as “honouring stages” or in Malay we called it as “menyembah pentas or “honoring courts” (menyembah gelanggang)

Kuda Kepang ceremonies(19)

TYPES OF INSTRUMENTS AND MUSIC USING IN MALAY TRADITIONAL DANCE

In Malaysia, music and dance are almost attached together. It is hard for us to see one without another. Where music is, dance is close by. Despite the influence of this foreign influence by television and video entertainment, traditional music(16) in Malaysia still survive and flourish in a wide variety of forms. It is performed during ceremonial occasions, and as an accompaniment to dance and drama for entertainment.

  1. Gamelan
Ø  Originally it from Indonesia and it is  a traditional orchestra that plays ethereal lilting melodies using an ensemble of gong percussion and stringed instruments.

   2. Nobat
Ø  It is a special royal orchestra that plays more solemn music for the courts and it is consisting of usually four or five members, using the flute, trumpet, gong and drums; and only performed during state ceremonies. The most important use of the nobat is during the coronation of the Sultan, where it is believed that he will not be accepted as the ruler unless the nobat is played.

3. Gambus

Ø  Brought to Malaysia by Persian and Middle Eastern traders, the gambus is played in a variety of styles in Malay folk music, primarily as the lead instrument in Ghazal music. Carefully crafted with combinations of different woods, this instrument produces a gentle tone that is similar to that of the harpsichord. 

4. Rebab

Ø  The rebab is the most important bowed lute and is the main melodic instrument in the mak yong and is used to accompany the wayang kulit.

5. Sape

Ø  The sape is the traditional flute of the Orang Ulu community or upriver people of Sarawak. A woodcarving masterpiece with colourful motifs, the sape is made by hollowing a length of wood. Once played solely during healing ceremonies within longhouses, it gradually became a social instrument of entertainment. Typically, its thematic music is used to accompany dances such as the Ngajat and Datun Julud.

ASLI

The origins of Asli(14) as a music and dance form can be traced back to the 14th century. It is the most slow-paced of all the traditional Malay dances. There are numerous hand movements and poses, each with a different meaning. These dances are popular all across Malaysia especially in Peninsular Malaysia. The dance features slow, flowing and elegant movements and resembles the Asyik Dance (court dance), but its movements are simpler and danced to a modern music ensemble.

The Asli also accompanies the Dondang Sayang, a love ballad involving the exchange of pantuns. The Dondang Sayang is extremely popular in Malacca amongst the Peranakan community. Thus, while the asli originated among the Malays, it has been influenced by both the Portuguese and Peranakan cultures.

Asli dance(15)

SABAH & SARAWAK NGAJAT

The ‘ngajat’(12) dance originated from the Iban community and has been passed down from generation to generation. No one knows clearly when the dance was composed or spread throughout Sarawak or Sabah. However, some of them believe that this dance have been in existence along with the Iban tribe since the 16th Century. This dance is usually performed during Gawai Kenyalang or 'Hornbill Festival'.

Apparently the most fearsome of Sarawak's headhunters, the tribe's victorious warriors were traditionally celebrated in this elaborate festival. Wearing an elaborate headdress and holding an ornate long shield, the male warrior dancer performs dramatic jumps throughout this spellbinding dance. After the dance gained popularity, performances were not confined to the ruai but held in open spaces or halls for public viewing.

The male dancers wear large feathers as part of their headgear, hold an ornate and long shield in their hand with chains, beads and a loincloth called the ‘cawat’. The female dancers have an elaborate headdress, chains, beads and a ‘dress’ that reaches to below their knees with intricate weaving. Traditionally this dance was only performed by male dancers but not anymore.

There are several types of ngajat or ‘ajat’:

Ø  Ngajat Induk

Ø  Ngajat Bebunoh

Ø  Ngajat Lesong

Ø  Ngajat Semain

Ø  Ngajat Berayah

Ngajat Iban dance(13)

MALAY GAMELAN

This classical dance began in the courts of Riau and Lingga in the 17th century. It was first performed in Pekan Pahang in 1811 on the occasion of the marriage of Tengku Hussain, the son of Sultan Abdul Rahman of Lingga, to Wan Esah, the sister of Bendahara Ali of Pahang. It was transferred to the court of Terengganu after Tengku Mariam, a Pahang princess married Tengku Sulaiman, the son of Tengku Zainal Abidin of Terengganu.

The Malay gamelan(10) is usually played at royal occasions during the reign of Sultan Ahmad of Pahang (1882-1914) and Sultan Sulaiman of Terengganu (1920-1942).Although originated from the land of Java, Indonesia, the Malay gamelan has developed a distinct identity compared to the Javanese, Balinese and Sundanese gamelan from Indonesia.

Malay Gamelan dance(11)

JOGET

The Joget(8) is the most popular traditional dance throughout Malaysia.It is performed at cultural festivals, wedding celebrations and other social functions. The history of Joget dance is traced back to two well-known Portuguese folk dances which are the Branjo and Farapeira. It is started to be introduced to the Malays in Malacca during the early 16th century. 

In Mallaca the Joget is better known as Chakunchak. This is because of the rhythms of the feet movements where there is a switch of weight to the beat 1 and 2. It is quite the same as the western dance (step ball change). This is sometimes called a ‘double step’.A simplified version or sometimes referred to as the ‘single step’ includes the transfer of weight or ‘ball change’ but with just a tap of the second foot.The dance is most favorable in Malacca. There are many various type of Joget but the most popular ones are Joget lambak.

Costume of Joget dance

Male dancer:

ü  Baju Melayu

ü  Samping

ü  Songkok

Female dancer:

ü  Baju kurung

ü  Flower head dress (sanggul)

Joget Pahang dance(9)

MALAY MAK YONG

Mak Yong(6) dance is a dance drama combining with theatre performance, opera and comedy. It is believed that Mak Yong well before the Islamic traders set foot in the country.  It was performed as a royal theatre under the direct patronage of the Kelantan Sultanate until the 1920s. A typical Mak Yong performance opens with an offering followed by dances, acting and music as well as improvised monologues and dialogues.  

Most roles are performed by women and the stories are based on ancient Malay folk tales with royal characters, which is about the legendary princes and princesses from tales old folks tales that had been handed down by word of mouth by the people. Mak Yong is also associated with rituals in which shamans attempt to heal through song, trance-dance and spirit possession. Their make-up is very distinct especially around the eyes. In today’s society, few young people are willing to commit to such rigorous apprenticeships.

The attire is differ according to the role in Mak Yong dance:

Pak Yong  

Ø  The attire of Pak Yong is tight-fitting clothes and pants made from satin cloth matched with long samping cloth and a belt.
Ø  At the chest, there will be decorated sibarlayan (border) or fine colorful beads like the collar or flying clothes.
             
Mak Yong

Ø  The dancer will wear silk kebaya with gold and diamond brooch.
Ø  The dancer also will wear pemeles , golden hand thread golden foot bangles and rings given by the king. 

Mak Yong dance(7)

ZAPIN

The influence of the Zapin dance on Malay culture and arts started alongside the spread of the Islamic religion, beginning in the early 15th Century. The Zapin dance and music were brought and introduced by the Arab traders and missionaries from Southern Yemen particularly from the Hadramaut region. From its original form of Arabic Zapin (Zapin Arab), the dance assimilated itself into the Malay culture and thus gave birth to a localised version known as Zapin Melayu.

Originally, Zapin performances were popular among the royalty. It is believed that every palace had its own Zapin troupe which performed at various palace functions and every rehearsal was done under the watchful eye of the Sultan. Zapin dance most popular in Malaysia, especially in the state of Johor. The dance was originally performed by males only however it also performed by female dancers these days.

Types of Zapin performance

Ø  Zapin Pekajang

Ø  Zapin Tenglu

Ø  Zapin Pulau

Ø  Zapin Lenga

Ø  Zapin Sindang from Sarawak

Costume of Zapin dance

Male dancer:
v Songkok
v  Baju Melayu
v  Kain sampin
v  Capal

Female dancer:
v  Baju Kurung
v  Flower on head (sanggul) or headscarf
v  Traditional necklace
v  Kain samping
v  Capal

Zapin Pulau (5)

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INANG

Mak Inang is a traditional Malay dance that originated from the time of Malacca Sultanate, particularly during the rule of Sultan Mahmud Shah (1488-1511). The dance is accompanied by a unique music which is believed to have been composed by the order of Sultan Mahmud Shah of Malacca as a lullaby to help him go to sleep. In the past, both song and dance were taught to the Inang(4) of the palace ("singer dancers") for them to perform it during royal functions. The dance’s movements and its music are so graceful and have all the qualities for court performances. 

In the past, the Inang dance was performed only by ladies, with very modest movements following to the strict palace customs and protocols. Sometimes the dancers hold long scarves during the performance.Nowadays, the dance is refined and called with its modern name "Inang", and usually performed in social functions like wedding receptions by couples of men and women. Examples of songs with the Inang beat are Seri Langkat, Lenggang Mak Limah and Mak Inang Pulau Kampai.

Costume of Inang dance for women and man dancer

Male dancer:

ü  Baju Melayu(cekak musang)

ü  Samping

ü  Songkok

Female dancer:

ü  Baju Kurung

ü  Baju Kebaya

ü  Samping

ü  Songket

ü  Selendang (shawl)

ü  Flower on head (cucuk sanggul)

HISTORY OF MALAY TRADITIONAL DANCE

In general, the histories of Malay traditional dance are reflected through its multicultural and multiracial heritage. Like any other culture and countries, music and dances was existed right before the technology ever created. In fact, such dances act as an added attraction in celebrations mostly on special occasions like wedding ceremony, reception, religious ceremonies and so on. The music and traditional dances does have its range of dances moves that are inhabited by people from dissimilar cultural background and musical taste. Therefore, the music and dance moves are varies from region-to-region. 

Moreover, some of the dance moves have its own influences derived from different regions of the world. As such, 'Zapin'(2) is believed to have been introduced by the Muslim missionaries from Middle East and as for 'Joget'(3) it was influenced by Portuguese folk dance. According to researcher Malay traditional dance had being noticed since 1956 where it being perform in “Pesta Tari Melayu Malaysia” since then, Malay traditional dance recognized by many people. To make it short, these had made us proud and specials as one country and one nation infused with the range of cultural background that make us unique in our own ways.

INTRODUCTION

Hi everyone!!!

I am Farah Syakila and this blog is written for academy purpose for Digital & Mobile Communication (ITE3563) course. I have chosen “Malay Traditional Dance” topic as my blog theme. The reason why I choose this topic is because I want to represent the variety and uniqueness of traditional dance that have been forgotten by our young generation.

The objectives of this blog are:

1.  To show about Malay Traditional Dance in Malaysia
2.  To acknowledge people about Malay Traditional dance
3.  To give awareness the existence of Malay Traditional dance especially for youngster

To make this heritage always be remembered, i try to collect as many dances to be introduced through this blog. I hope this blog can bring benefits especially to young generation nowadays…

Preview of Malay Traditional Dance 1