TRADITIONAL DANCE

ASYIK

Asyik Sasang is the most elaborate of the three major asyik repertoires of Istana Balai Besar Kelantan. It features 11 female court dancers, who dance with inversed movements ('sasang' in Kelantanese dialect. Malay: 'Songsang') and are disrupted by a male dancer portraying the court prince. This performance recreates the memory of Dato' Tharuwat Ismail Bakti, a well-respected Asyik master-teacher who witnessed Asyik debut in Kuala Lumpur for Malaya's independence from Britain in 1957.

CHOREOGRAPHERS: NURUL FATIN AQILAH BINTI ABDUL RAHIM & SHIRIN FAZIRA BINTI MOHAMED SALIM

ZAPIN SILANG PANGKAH

Zapin Silang Pangkah is a choreographic composition inspired by Zapin Silang, a zapin repertoire originating from the Muar region in Johor. It shares close connections with Zapin Lenga and Zapin Parit Sakai, and was traditionally performed at various Main Zapin events in the vicinity of Parit Unas, Parit Payong and Parit Amat. The dance is marked by its distinctive crossing footwork, which is embodied in its four movement motifs known as Langkah 1, Langkah 2, Langkah 3, and Langkah 4.

CHOREOGRAPHERS: MUHAMMAD HAFIZ BIN BAKAR & MUHAMMAD AKMAL ALIF BIN SALIZAN

AJAT NAKU

Ajat Naku is a traditional ceremony that honors the valor of Iban warriors who have returned from war (mengayau), often with the head of an enemy as a trophy. This ceremony features two distinct dances performed in longhouses: Naku Indu and Naku Kenyalang. Naku Indu is a dance performed by women to welcome the victorious warrior home, while Naku Kenyalang is a dance performed by men to express gratitude for the warriors' success. These dances are integral to the Ajat Naku ceremony, each serving a unique purpose in the celebration of the warriors' bravery.

CHOREOGRAPHERS: ALMIESHA JENUN ANAK ANTHONY LAWAN & NORYSHEA NALA LEXLINE ANAK ALEXANDER

TARI PIRING

‘Tari Piring’ performance is a harmonious blend of various Tari Piring repertoires from Negeri Sembilan, including Tari Piring Lilin, Tari Piring Cincin (Trinai), Tari Piring Merbau, Titi Gelas, and Tari Piring Pijak Kaca. The performance, executed by both male and female dancers, is choreographed with a sense of grace and modesty that could represent the identity of Negeri Sembilan. This rendition is distinct from the Minangkabau version of the dance, which is characterized by its complete agility.

CHOREOGRAPHER: KHAIRUL ANWAR BIN SHAHRI & MUHAMMAD IKMAL BIN KAMAL BASHAH

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