Category
page 1Dances of Sumatra
Mak yong
performing art originating from Malaysia
Zapin
Zapin (Jawi: زافين) is one of the most popular dance and musical forms in traditional Malay performing arts. Dance movements are choreographed to melodies, which are performed using musical instruments such as the gambus (short-necked lute), accordion, and rebana.
It is believed to have been introduced by Persian and Arab Muslim missionaries from the Middle East to the Malay Archipelago around the fourteenth century, where back then 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 ha
Gending Sriwijaya
Indonesian historical song and dance of Palembang
Tanggai dance
Indonesian traditional dance of Palembang
Bangsawan
Bangsawan (Jawi: بڠساون) is a type of traditional Malay opera or theatre performed by a troupe and accompanied by music and sometimes dances. The bangsawan theatrical performance encompasses music, dance, and drama. It is widely spread in the Malay cultural realm in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Brunei. The artform is indigenous to the Malay Peninsula, Riau Islands, Sumatra, and coastal Borneo.