ZAPIN
Zapin (
Jawi:
زافين) is a dance form that is popular in
Indonesia and in
Malaysia (especially in the state of
Johor,
Pahang and
Selangor), especially in
Malay-populated provinces in Sumatera (
Riau Province,
Jambi province,
Riau Islands Province,
North Sumatera, and
Bangka-Belitung Islands) and
West Kalimantan. 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; 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 is allowed.
The dancers usually perform in pairs and are accompanied by a traditional music ensemble which normally consists of the
gambus,
accordion,
rebab,
marwas (bongos), rebana (drum) and dok.
There are numerous types of zapin, and each type varies by the movement and style of dance:
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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.
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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.
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