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)

zza

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