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TARIAN MAK INANG TUA
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Introduction and history
The Mak Inang Tua dance is one of the traditional dances originating from the state of Kedah and holds a deep historical significance in Malay society. It is believed to have existed since the era of the Kedah Sultanate, where it was originally part of palace ceremonies and royal celebrations.
The Mak Inang Tua dance is often performed by a group of female dancers dressed in beautiful traditional Malay attire, with graceful and meaningful movements. It is not only intended to entertain but also to honor guests and royalty attending grand ceremonies. The dance symbolizes refinement, gentleness, and high etiquette in Malay culture.
The origins of Mak Inang Tua are associated with the influence of Hindu-Buddhist culture brought by traders and settlers from India, as well as the profound Islamic influence in the region. This dance evolved through the social and cultural interactions that occurred in Kedah, particularly among the palace and noble communities. The elegant dance movements and gentle rhythms reflect cultural influences that emphasize art, beauty, and courtesy.
The Mak Inang Tua dance, a form of traditional performing art developed in Kedah, plays a profound role in Malay society. It is not just a form of entertainment but also serves educational, social, and spiritual purposes.
In a social context, the Mak Inang Tua dance is an important tool for fostering community ties through performances at various events such as weddings, official ceremonies, and celebrations. It reflects familial and communal values by involving the community in every dance movement and song performed.
Culturally, the dance integrates traditional elements with innovation in performing arts, showcasing refined movements and costumes that represent the richness of Kedah's Malay arts.
Functionally, the Mak Inang Tua dance also serves as a medium for conveying historical stories and local myths, particularly those related to customs and beliefs of the Kedah community. Through movements accompanied by melodious music, the dance portrays a balance between worldly and spiritual life. For instance, in some performances, the dance movements incorporate elements of worship and prayer, elevating the spiritual aspects of Malay society.
The costumes worn by Mak Inang Tua dancers typically consist of brightly colored baju kurung or kebaya, often adorned with embroidery or beads that reflect the artistic elements of Malay culture. Additionally, sarong or batik fabric wrapped around the waist, along with accessories such as shawls and floral-decorated headpieces, further enhance the dancers’ appearance. Female dancers use the shawl as the main prop in their performance.
Each dance movement has specific names, such as "gerak ghasuk" (swaying motion), "gerak sauk" (scooping motion), and "gerak melayah" (fluttering motion), adding unique characteristics to the performance.
Musical instruments used in this dance include the gendang (drum), serunai (flute), gong, and rebana (frame drum). The gendang plays a central role in creating the rhythm that accompanies each dance step, providing energetic beats and a steady rhythm. The serunai, a wind instrument, adds melodic elements that beautify the atmosphere, while the gong and rebana enhance the soundscape, creating a deeper and more immersive ambiance for the performance.
The dance is typically performed in a structured arrangement, consisting of several key sections that harmonize music, dance movements, and the roles of the dancers. The performance begins with slow and graceful movements, followed by more dynamic and expressive motions. The movements of the Mak Inang Tua dance involve soft hand gestures and orderly, rhythmic footwork, with each movement carrying a specific meaning, often symbolizing customs, dignity, and affection in Malay society.
In the performance structure, the lead dancer, known as Mak Inang, is usually accompanied by a group of other dancers, with each individual playing a distinct role in presenting the story or theme being conveyed. This dance is often performed at official ceremonies or celebrations, with strict role divisions between the lead dancer and the supporting dancers.
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Reference Source
Bahan Bacaan
Rohani, Z. (2018). Seni Tari Tradisional: Memahami Fungsi Sosial dan Estetik dalam Masyarakat Melayu. Kuala Lumpur: Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka
N. (1988). Mendekati kebudayaan Melayu. Malaysia: Fajar Bakti.
Kesenian tari. (1990). Malaysia: Associated Educational Distributors (M).
Location
State JKKN Contact Information
Encik Mohammad Salleh bin Mahmud
Cultural Officer
Jabatan Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Negara, Kedah
Kompleks JKKN Kedah
Lot PTD 400, Pumpong
05250 Alor Setar
KEDAH DARUL AMAN
011-10899646
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