Tradisional Dance - Kuda Kepang

The Kuda Kepang was first introduced here in the early 20th century when Javanese immigrants, who brought this unique dance, were a regular feature in the southern tip of the peninsula.

It is said that it was created by the Wali Songo or Nine Saints, who were instrumental in spreading the religion of Islam in the Indonesian island of Jawa; for the dance dramatises tales of holy wars won for Islam. However, it is also believed to have totemistic origins.

The dance, now popular in the state of Johor, is usually performed by nine to 15 dancers, all garbed in traditional Javanese clothes. The dancers are usually all men, though women dancers are not uncommon these days. However, seldom, if ever, will you see both genders performing this dance together.

In a performance, each dancer sits astride a mock horse, and they re-enact the battles to the beat of a percussion ensemble usually consisting of drums, gongs and angklungs. A dancer known as the Danyang will take the lead by directing the other dancers using a whip.

The dance is believed to have strong links to the spirit world. It is not uncommon to see a Kuda Kepang dancer entering a trance during a performance. The two-dimensional mock horse - which is traditionally made out of hide or pleated bamboo, and is painted and decorated to resemble a horse - is said to harbour spirits which have to be appeased in a pre-dance ceremony conducted by a bomoh (medicine man). These days, this belief and practice are not encouraged.

The Kuda Kepang has now become a regular fixture in grand occasions such as the birthday of the Sultan of Johor, state government celebrations, and cultural shows.

Malay Tradisional Dance - ZAPIN

Malaysia have many tradisional dance, one of the popular tradisional dance is ZAPIN

It is believed that Muslim missionaries of the Middle East namely Persia and Arabia introduced the dance to Malaya during the fifteenth century.

The dance was originally performed by males only however it is also performed by female dancers these days.

The simple version of the Zapin is performed to the rhythm &1234 and the foot is extended out to the side on the last count. It can be done on the spot, traveling forwards and backwards or diagonally in the basic form.

The carriage of the dancers is quite erect and dignified.

The music for Zapin comes from an ensemble of traditional instruments which include the lute (gambus), gypsy-type bongos (marwas) and the violin.

There are no hard and fast rules as to the number of dancers that perform. However because of the very interactive nature of this dance, it is usually performed in pairs.

The dancers can then play with each other, teasing, challenging and enjoying each others company. It is most popular in Johor.

There are numerous forms of Zapin dances and it varies from state to state. One of the most popular forms and certainly more evolved and intricate is the Zapin Tenglu from the town of Mersing. Said to be inspired by the ebb and flow of the tide and the lives of fishermen, the dance has many unexpected movements like a rotation of the body from the waist followed by a sudden accented, sharp and held movement of the arms and shoulders. It is said that these movements are derived from the feeling of being tossed around in a fishing boat and having to catch yourself before you are thrown overboard.

source: www.dancemalaysia.com