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)