Cultural Dances of Malaysia

You may get the opportunity to see or join in some dances during times of festivities, the following are some of Malaysia’s well-known dances:

Joget
A popular dance at social funtions, Joget is danced by couples. The music and steps are similar to the cha-cha but the man and woman never touch and move around in a circle.

Tarian
Female dancers hold two saucers which contain a lighted candle each. They sway and move their arms gracefully without extinguishing the flames.

Gayong Otar-Otar
An energetic dance from the state of Terengganu, it features male dancers carrying swords and shields and simulating battle moves. The dance is accompanied by a lively tempo from gongs and drums.

Dance of Spring
In ancient China, spring was welcome relief from the cold winter. It was also a time for romance and celebrating. Performed by females, this dance depicts the happy mood that prevails in villages.

Bharata Natyam
A classical Indian dance, the Bharata Natyam is a solo female performance. A variety of standing positions, movement of legs and feet and hand gestures are executed to the beat of the tabla and other traditional instruments.

Ngajat
Originally performed by Sarawak’s ethnic warriors, the Ngajat was a post-battle dance to celebrate victory. Armed with shields and swords, the costume-clad dancers leap, thrust and shriek in mock battle.

Sumazau
The national dance of the Kadazan-Dusun community in Sabah, Borneo, the Sumazau is performed by two rows of men and women dressed in traditional costumes. They depict the flight of birds to the rhythm of six gongs.