...cultural dance...

Hurmmm... maybe something interesting i can share with you guys about this time topic of cultural dance..When i was in my first year degree in johor, i had the experience of getting involved with “Tarian Zapin” for “Sambutan Kemerdekaan”. My batch is the one who is chosen by our college to perform this traditional dance at Dataran Bandaraya Johor. It is such a wonderful experience for me to learn about this dance, although it is quite difficult to learn it at the first time, but when you are able get the steps, you’ll definitely love it. Trust me!! Hehehhe..i really hope that one day i’ll get another chance to perform this dance. In Malaysia, i think cultures have been meeting and mixing in Malaysia since the very beginning of its history. Our Malaysia's cultural mosaic is marked by many different cultures, but several in particular have had especially lasting influence on the country. Chief among these is the ancient Malay culture, and the culture of Malaysia’s two most prominent trading partners throughout history the Chinese, and the Indians. Then, they will have their own cultural dances. For example Joget is the most popular traditional dance of Malaysia. It is a lively rendition with fast upbeat tempo and performed by couples who combine fast hand and leg movements. The Joget has its origins traced back to the Portuguese folk dance which was introduced to Malacca during the era of the spice trade. Besides, when you guys see or watch on special Chinese festivals such as the Festival of Hungry Ghosts, actors in heavy make-up and elaborate costumes perform period dramas laced with songs backed by traditional music. This one is called Chinese Opera. For the Indians, Classical Indian dances are traditionally performed in temples by devadasi (servants of God) because these dances are regarded as an offering to God, higher than offerings of donations, flowers or mantras (prayers). Then, there are many others cultural dances in Malaysia such as Mak Yong, Kuda Kepang, Sumazau, Bhangra, Datun Julud and so on. As a Malaysian, we should to be proud of our country to have these varieties of cultural dances and it would be seen as part of our country’s marks by others.