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Malaysia’s Hari Kebangsaan or National Day is inching closer! Every year, Malaysians will observe 31st August to mark years of independence from the British. Next, Malaysia Day will fall on the 16^th of September. In line with these two public holidays and observances, I thought what better way to celebrate both days than to look at the various traditional dances/dance forms and musical instruments that help showcase the diversity that Malaysia has.

Joget

Brought to Malacca by the Portuguese in the era of the spice trade, the ‘joget’ is the most popular traditional dance throughout Malaysia. It is performed at wedding celebrations, cultural festivals and other social functions. Known as Chakunchak in Malacca, the dance is performed by a couple. Fairly quick in tempo, there’s a sense of playfulness when performing the dance.

Ulik Mayang 

This dance from Terengganu is now performed solely for entertainment purposes.  In the olden days, ‘ulik mayang’ was performed to appease the spirits of the sea. ‘Mayang’ is a coconut palm blossom used to deter spirits. The dance is accompanied by a song with the same name. In fact, there are even modernised versions of the song that has been performed by those in the Malaysian popular music industry. An orchestra consisting of the drums, violin, gong and accordion accompanies the dance.

Canggung

Traditionally performed by those in Perlis after the Harvest Festival, this dance has largely been influenced by the Thais and its bordering Kedah.  It is also usually performed at weddings and other festivals. The ‘canggung’ is said to have been inspired by another dance, known as ‘Mak Yong Laut’. Even then, the ‘canggung’ has its own features that make it stand out from other dances. Perhaps, the one feature that makes the ‘canggung’ special is the element of ‘berpantun’ or poetry-reciting, usually done in jest or in a teasing manner. It is usually the case that the dancers recite about issues related to the planting of paddy and the paddy field. The dance is normally performed by two to eight ladies, handkerchiefs in hand, who will be partnered accordingly with men. The ladies will be dressed in ‘Baju Kurung Kedah’ and a ‘Batik Sarong’. Musical instruments including a violin, a gong and two ‘anak rebana’ accompany the dance.

Wau Bulan

Finding its origins in Kelantan, this dance is performed to coincide with the post-Harvest Festival during which many activities including the kite-flying show will be held. A dance has been derived to paint a picture of and mimic the leisureliness of kite-flying and the movement of the kite, typically of giant size. Accompanied by the popular song ‘Wau Bulan’, the dance is performed by both male and female dancers. The flute, ‘gendang’, ‘rebab’, as well as other traditional musical instruments will lend music to the song.

Piring

Introduced when the Majapahit government took over from the Sri Vijayan Empire, the ‘piring’ or plate dance involves dancers attempting to hold and balance saucers in their hands while executing swift movements that include squatting, rolling, and walking on plates placed on the floor while rotating those in hand. At the end of the performance, these porcelain-made plates are smashed on the floor. The dancers would then go on to step, dance, and jump on these broken pieces without hurting themselves. To perform this last portion, dancers will work themselves into a trance-like state. Performed up to 20 minutes, the ‘Piring’ dance is popular in Negeri Sembilan, particularly the areas of Kuala Pilah, Seremban and Rembau.

Bharatanatyam

Dominated by females, this Indian classical dance is seeing increased participation and interest among male dancers. This intense and dramatic type of dance uses more than 100 dance steps and gestures. Previously known as ‘sadhirattam’, the ‘bharatanatyam’ performance has a seven-part sequence.

Bhangra

Synonymous with Sikhism, this music and dance form used to be a harvest dance. Now, it is performed at weddings and various celebrations. Romantic themes are covered in the performance, which involves singing and dancing to the beats of a double-barrelled drum, known as the ‘dhol’.

Datun Julud

Also known as the Hornbill Dance, it is performed by the Kenyah tribe of Pasir, Balungan, Kabupaten, and Kutai Berau in Sarawak. A Kenyah prince is credited for having created this dance, performed as a way of thanking God for His blessings post-Harvest Festival. Music from the ‘sape’ will accompany the solo performance by a lady, who will dance barefoot and try to imitate a flying hornbill. Additionally, fans made out of hornbill feathers are used to represent the wings of the bird.

Portuguese Dance

‘Branyo’, popular among the older generation, has more of a steady beat and rhythm. Similar to the ‘joget’, the musical instruments used are the violin and ‘rebana’. In terms of costumes, male dancers will don cowboy-like ones, while the females will wear the ‘kebaya’ and ‘batik sarong’. The younger generation of Portuguese descent prefers the Farapeira, which is fast and has a cheerful vibe. The dance is usually accompanied by musical instruments like guitars and tambourines. Performers are usually dressed in traditional Portuguese costumes.

Lion Dance

Its origins are not exactly known. However, early written accounts of the dance, often associated with the Chinese culture, can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty from the 7^th century. Not only is the lion dance performed during the Chinese/Lunar New Year, it is also performed at events, usually to bring in more good fortune and luck. Typically performed by a duo, one person controls the head and the front legs, while the other takes charge of the hind legs. Both performers are completely hidden from view.

Dragon Dance

The dragon dance requires more performers and more space. Up to 15 performers may be controlling the dragon, which are raised on poles. Unlike in the lion dance, where the performers are not seen, in the dragon dance, the performers are in plain sight. The Chinese believe that the longer the dragon, the better one’s fortune and prosperity.