malaydance

zapin putar alam johor

2009-11-12T08:23:00.001-08:00

zapin ya ladan

2009-11-12T08:22:00.001-08:00

zapin festival

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zapin tualang tiga

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zapin

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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.

The music for Zapin comes from an ensemble of traditional instruments, which includes the lute gambus), gypsy type bongos (marwas), small single-frame hand drums (rafa'i), accordion and violin. A typical Zapin performance and song can be categorised into three parts. The first part is called the taqsim or introduction. This is where the gambus is played in a solo manner as an opening of the performance. Simultaneously, the dancers enter the stage and perform the sembah or act of respect to the audience. As the performance progress, the dancers perform various steps and legwork movements. The second part is at the end of every quatrain or pantun, where the music and beating of the drums is played in a rapid beat manner known as tingkah or kopak while the dancers move in a jumping manner called the minta tahto. The third part is the end of the performance, which is known as the tahtim, whereby the dancers will perform the wainab movements to close the performance.

There are numerous types of Zapin and they are categorised by regions. Some examples are Zapin Tenglu, Zapin Pekajang, Zapin Parit Mastar from Johor, Zapin Sindang from Sarawak, Zapin Ghalit from Kedah, Jipin Tar and Jipin Laila Sembah from Brunei and Zapin Kampung Manggis from Jambi.

types of zapin

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There are numerous types of zapin, and each type varies by the movement and style of dance:

Zapin Melayu Johor
Zapin Pulau
Zapin Tenglu
Zapin Tenglu 2
Zapin Lenga
Zapin Pekajang
Zapin Arab
Zapin Jambi
Zapin Singapura

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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.

Another popular Zapin dance is the Zapin Pekajang

About Zapin

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Zapin is a dance form that is popular in Indonesia (Jambi province) and in Malaysia (especially in the state of Johor). It is believed to have been introduced by Arab, Muslim missionaries from the Middle East in the fourteenth century.

In the old days, only males were allowed to perform but nowadays, female dancers are included. It used to be performed exclusively for religious ceremonies but through the years it has become a form of traditional entertainment, hence the participation of female dancers are allowed.

The dancers usually perform in pairs and are accompanied by a traditional music ensemble normally consists of the gambus, accordion, rebab, marwas (bongos), rebana (drum) and dok.