Malaysia is a multi-ethnic society, different race have their own traditional dance which represent their identity. Nowadays, in many occasional, this traditional dance is one of the show in the program. And some time, in a show have combine with different race's traditional dance, and create a unique dance to represent Malaysia society. The famous dance in Malaysia society are:
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
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).
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).
Bhangra
Bhangra Dance, is 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.
Source from: The dance
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
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).
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).
Bhangra
Bhangra Dance, is 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.
Source from: The dance
