ZAPIN DANCE

Zapin is one of the traditional Malay dance that have been practicing up till now, generations by generations. It is believed that, the zapin dance was introduced by Muslim Arabians from the Middle East in the fourteenth century. Back then, only Malay men were allowed to perform the dance while Malay women are advised to not to in order to maintain the social boundaries. However, today, zapin has been practicing both genders, men and women. Zapin is most famous and viral in the state of Johor, Pahang and Selangor in Malaysia. Zapin dance used to be performed primarily for religious ceremonies but as time past by it has become a form of traditional entertainment.

As the dancer dance, traditional percusions or instruments are used to play the background music such as gambus, accordion, rebab, marwas or known as bongo , traditional drum rebana and dok.

There are numerous types of zapin and each type varies by the movement and style of dance:

• Zapin Pulau
• Zapin Tengliu
• Zapin Lenga
• Zapin Pekajang
• Zapin Arab
• Zapin Jambi
• Zapin Singapura
• Zapin Sindang
• Zapin Sekaki
• Zapin Pesisir
• Zapin Tembung
• Zapin Melayu Johor 

Costume of Zapin dance :

Male dancer:           Songkok           Baju Melayu           Kain sampin           Capal

Female dancer:             Baju Kurung             Flower on head (sanggul) or headscarf             Traditional necklace             Kain samping             Capal