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)