Nowadays...
Past history and religious traditions influence the dance of Malaysia today. Classic Malay dances have a Spanish air, owing to the Spanish Muslim traders and merchants that left their heritage. The Portuguese folk dance, brought in by the spice trade, flourished. Indians danced to tribute to the Hindu deities. Chinese dancers danced their court dances. Silat, known for its grace, was seen as a Malaysian martial arts. Male dancers danced to the Malaysian dance zapin. In East Malaysia, each group of Orang Asli had its own dance forms.
Nowadays...
Portuguese roots led to the making of joget, one of the most popular dances today. With lively steps and a folkdance history, its liveliness is contagious (see joget picture at lower left.. picture from dancemalaysia.com)!
Indian dances are serious, with protegé dancers learning to dance dances consisting of one hundred steps or more in each of the dramas. Danced by Hindu girls, they must begin tutelage at age 5, slowly memorizing each dance. By the age of 10 or 11, a girl can dance solo for six major dances of the Bharathanatyam, or the 16th century Indian classical dance. Silat is known as a dance form with sparring, occuring at weddings and other festivals, using a sape to beat out the rhythms. Mak yong is known for its theatrical dance--a mix of ballet, opera, romantic drama and comedy. Drums, gongs and violins sing out as actors dance on a stage with no props. Women dancers play the lead role, which is usually portraying a man. This type of theatrical dance is five nights long. Performed in cultural events, modern Malay dance portrays the gentleness of the Malaysian people. The East Malaysia Orang Asli dancers imitate the movements of animals, or act out tribal legends and folklore (see Sarawak dance at right.. Picture from molon.de). A type of dance called the candle dance is known for its grace and beauty. Dancers hold a candle as they perform. Meanwhile, the flames become delicate hypnotic trances (see picture at left).
Be sure to check out at least one of these wonderful dances while you are in Malaysia.. You won't regret it!
Shout out!