The most memorable dance for me is the Malay Zapin. Zapin Dance is one of the Malay traditional dances. This dance is introduced by the Arabians and is believed to be originated from Yaman. This dance is then practiced in the West Malaysia, Borneo Island, Singapore and Indonesia. There are five types of Zapin dances; The Arab Zapin Dance, The Johore Zapin Dance, The Lenga Zapin Dance, The Pekan Zapin Dance, And The Tenglu Zapin Dance.
In my opnion, Zapin is a dance that requires cooperation and team work, but individual hardwork. The steps are easy because it only requires repetition of steps with different styles. I remembered very well that the intensive practice of Zapin dance for the National Day Performace at Danga Bay is really a hardwork. We had to get bare footed on the muddy grasses and danced under the rain because we were running out of time.
Outdoor Practices
Indoor Practices
The Day of Performance
The few days’ intensive practices and staying together as a group strengthen our bond. I learn to work together with people around me. I learn how unique the Zapin dance is. One simple step brings many colours to the dance. And a simple dance can bring everyone together as one.
Our memories
"We had to get bare footed on the muddy grasses and danced under the rain because we were running out of time."
ReplyDeleteI was one of the "we"! Oh boy, going down memory lane... I miss those times. The fun we had. The experiences we gained. The mistakes we learned from.
As hilarious as it may sound, my only formal dance lesson was ballet which was way, way back when I was in kindergarten. Yes, I learned ballet. And if my memory serves me right, I was the one who begged my mum to send me for ballet lessons. I gave up within the first month itself! Ironic, huh? The stretching, the pirouette, the twirling - all too much for me to handle. Dancing requires a lot of patience and passion. Now that I look back and think of it, I really shouldn't have given up ballet.
Zapin. Initially, I thought we were the "unlucky" lot to be chosen to represent the state for the National Day Celebration. The part I hated most was getting my feet in the mud during one of the practices.
But it proved me wrong. All our hard work paid off. There's nothing like standing in front of thousands of people cheering and applauding for you.
The Zapin experience has definitely taught me a thing or two about the importance of culture, cooperation, teamwork, diligence, and patience. Like you've mentioned, "One simple step brings many colours to the dance. And a simple dance can bring everyone together as one".