Types of Cultural dances for Malay(Zapin), Chinese(Fan Dance) and Indian(Indian dance)

Types of Cultural dances for Malay(Zapin), Chinese(Fan Dance) and Indian(Indian dance)

 

Type of Zapin Dances

Zapin dance is very popular in a state of Johor. The word zapin means the movement of legs from the word ‘al-Zafn’. Zapin is a Malay traditional dance that originally adapted from traditional culture of Arab-Parsi. It is most influenced by zapin Arab, but it has some characteristics that make zapin Melayu dance differ with zapin Arab dance. Based on the old history, Zapin dance was started as entertainment dance in a castle that brought by Hadramaut, Yaman Selatan in a century of 13. Basically, many new Malay dances take zapin dance as its basic steps. Nowadays, zapin dance was performed in a formal or informal events such as wedding ceremony, grand opening event and so on.

Basically, there are various types of zapin dance in Malaysia. It was different in name and type because the creator of it is originally from different district in Johor. Below is the list of zapin dances that are still exist and popular :

- Zapin Johor

- Zapin Pekajang

- Zapin Tenglu

- Zapin Pekan

- Zapin Lenga

- Zapin Tenglu 

All these types of zapin dances have their own steps, but still followed the characteristic that needed in zapin dance. It must be performed in a group of more than two persons and cannot be performed individually.

Zapin Johor

Zapin Pekajang

Chinese Fan Dance

Chinese Fan Dance the Chinese fan dance is performed in celebration of Chinese culture. It represents beauty, grace and delicacy, according to the Chinese Educational Development Project. It also expresses feelings of joy. The dance is composed of consistently changing rhythms paired with
consistency changing body positions.

The fans are used to highlight the graceful movements of the dancers and as extensions of very delicate poses. They can be used as a sort of prop, representing a basket of food, a gift or a found treasure. The fans are made of a variety of materials including feathers, paper or bamboo and they reflect the highest level of craftsmanship and artistry.

Chinese dance was divided into either civilian or military dance and their movements can vary based upon the classification. Civilian fan dances tend to be more flowing and detailed, celebrating grace and beauty. They derived from early dances celebrating the distribution of the food gathered from hunting and fishing; people would dance holding feathered banners. The military dancing was done with weapons, in coordinated group movements. This evolved into the movements used in military exercises.

Civilian Fan Dance

Rose Dance

Indian Dance

With their sheer intricacies the different types of Indian dances bring out the innermost feelings and emotion whilst depicting the cultural aspects of the age-old civilization of India. Based on the style, dash, intricacies, Indian dance can be broadly classified into four types like, Classical Indian dance, Indian Folk dance, Tribal dance and the fusion dance.

Indian Classical Dances

 Indian Classical dance is also known as the traditional Indian dance which has abundant forms and takes human figure as its basic medium of expressions. Dance performed inside the temple chamber, imperial courts along with music are classified as classical dance. The foundation of the conventions and methodical movements and types of this dance lies in an ancient book of dance, music and drama called Natyashastra. The major Indian classical dances are Bharatnatyam, Kathakali, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Mohiniattam, Manipuri, Odissi and Sattriya. The Indian classical dance style is unique in terms of movement, grace, style and ‚lan.

Indian Folk Dance

Indian Folk dances have originated with a view to be a creation of different socio-economic set up and traditions. Indian folk as well as tribal dances are simple and performed to express joy and performed to celebrate a season, festivals and so on. Its simplicity is shown by its less movement and uncomplicated steps. These types of dances can be categorised into two major categories: folk and tribal dances. There are cultural differences between the two forms; the folk dances are the rural extensions of the larger Indian population for example Bhangra of Punjab and Garba of Gujarat. However, the tribal dances are dances by adivasis, which have a very different culture from the larger Indian population.

Many folk dances are devoted to the presiding God of the specific community. The most appealing element of a folk dance is the requisite outfit for its performance. In Indian Folk Dances the accessories play a vital role, these costumes provide a separate identity to the folk dance. Many a time, folk dances are termed as per the name of the accessory used.

Fusion Dance in India


In the recent era a new dance trend has developed in India. The modern forms of dances are the fusion of the various traditional dance forms. Sometimes, dances are composed in artistic forms with old songs and sometimes remixed music for choreographed dance. Salsa and ballet troupes are eventually becoming popular trends in the domain of dance. These days film dance has also carved a niche for itself in the domain of dance in modern India. This is a mixture of classical and folk dance, which has given birth to a semi-classical form. Film dances are a vital element in most Indian films for entertaining the audience.

With a prolific tradition Indian dance takes human figure as its basic mechanism of expression. Indian dance amidst its expression and poise therefore reflects the deep philosophy and the religious mood of India to a great extent. The lure for Indian dance over the globe indicates the deep-felt need to utilize the human body to communicate and revere the worldwide truths. The finest preface to India's rich culture and civilization is its expression of dance.