Dance
Malaysia's multi-cultural and multi-racial heritage is most prominently exhibited in its diverse music and dance forms. The dances of the indigenous Malay, Orang Asli and different ethnic peoples of Sabah and Sarawak are truly exotic and enchanting. As the Chinese, Indians and Portuguese settled in Malaysia, the traditional dances of their homelands became a part of Malaysia's culture and heritage.
Malay Dance
Joget
It is Malaysia’s most popular traditional dance and lively with upbeat tempo. Performed by couples who combine fast, graceful movement with playful humour, the Joget has its origins in Portuguese folk dance, which was introduced to Melaka during the era of the spice trade.
Silat
Silat is an elegant Malaysian dance form originated as a deadly martial art. Based on weaponless self-defence, Silat is common at weddings and festivals. In this dance form, the dancer performs sparring yet beautiful routines to drums and other musical instruments.
Mak Inang
Mak Inang is a folk dance accompanied with Mak Inang song, was originated during the period of the Malacca Sultanate. The song is said to have been composed by the order of Sultan Mahmud Shah possibly as a lullaby to help him go to sleep. The dance is very graceful and has all the qualities of palace performance.
Chinese Dance
Chinese Lion Dance
Usually performed during the Chinese New Year festival, Lion Dance is energetic and entertaining. According to the legend, in ancient times, the lion was the only animal that could ward off a mythological creature known as Nian that terrorized China and devoured people on the eve of the New Year. Usually requiring perfect coordination, elegance and nerves of steel, the dance is almost always performed to the beats of the tagu, the Chinese drum and the clanging of cymbals.
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Fan Dance
The traditional Chinese fan dance has been part of China’s heritage for over two thousand years. Considered to be an ancient form of folk dance, the fan dance serves various purposes and is highly regarded by the Chinese. Fan dance also serves as exercise as it requires physical fitness and the ability to memorize the routines.
Indian Dance
Indian Bharatanatyam
This classical Indian dance is poetry in motion. Based on ancient Indian epics, this highly intense and dramatic dance form uses over 100 dances steps and gestures. As mastery requires many years of practice, some children begin learning the dance form at the age of five.
