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TARIAN ZAPIN GHALET
No 26, Jalan Ros, Felda Bukit Batu, 81020, Kulai, JohorPicture
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Introduction and history
Zapin is more commonly associated with the state of Johor Darul Takzim. However, Kedah Darul Aman also has its own variation of the dance, particularly through the creation of Zapin Ghalit or Ghalet. In the Kedah dialect, Ghalit means mesmerized, careless, or distracted. Thus, the choreography of Zapin Ghalit aptly portrays movements that tell the story of humans often being captivated and distracted in life.
The word zapin originates from the Arabic term Zafn (a verb) which means quick foot movements to the rhythm or dancing (Zafana). It is influenced by Arab culture and is inherently educational, used as a medium for Islamic preaching through poetry, songs, and the performed zapin dance.
Originally, this dance was a form of entertainment at royal courts after being brought from Hadramaut, Yemen, by Arab traders who sailed to the Johor Sultanate in the early 16th century. Initially, only men participated in this dance, but over time it was modified to include women as well. Zapin is one of the traditional folk dances of the Malay community in the Nusantara, especially in Peninsular Malaysia.
The mass migration of Yemenis to Johor in the 19th century further strengthened the influence of Arab culture in the region. Over time, the dance underwent modifications in its form and style, evolving into two distinct variations: Zapin Arab and Zapin Melayu.
This dance is often performed during festive occasions and celebratory events, showcasing the artistic identity and heritage of Kedah as well as the nation as a whole.
Male dancers wear traditional Malay attire consisting of baju Melayu cekak musang with songket fabric styled as an outer sarong (samping berdagang luar). Female dancers wear baju kurung teluk belanga paired with kain samping. Male dancers also wear songkok adorned with a brooch, while female dancers wear brooch necklaces (kerongsang rantai) and hair ornaments such as cucuk sanggul.
The main instruments used include traditional musical instruments such as the gambus (a lute), rebana (frame drum), and marwas (a small drum). These instruments form the rhythmic foundation that accompanies the zapin movements. The gambus, as the primary instrument, provides deep and emotive melodies, while the rebana and marwas deliver dynamic and energetic rhythms that complement the dancers’ quick and coordinated footwork.
In this zapin performance, there are three basic movements, culminating in the wainab movement as the dance's finale. These three basic movements are performed by both male and female dancers, with differences primarily reflecting the natural characteristics of their genders.
The performance typically involves pairs of male and female dancers moving in specific floor patterns, with their steps synchronized to the rhythm of traditional music. The dance combines grace and precision, reflecting the cultural and spiritual themes embedded in its movements.
The Zapin Ghalit dance was choreographed by a Kedah-born choreographer, Wan Mohd Nor bin Wan Alam, better known as Wan Nor Alam.
Zapin Ghalit is unique in that it is the only zapin composition that does not include gong beats. Its drum rhythms are closer to hadrah percussion music. The melody of its accompanying music shows a strong Arab influence, distinguishing it from typical zapin dances. The dance also incorporates many "waiting movements" (static positions) and features slower movements compared to other zapin styles.
The inspiration for creating Zapin Ghalit came to Wan Nor Alam during his time in Bangkok in 1999 while he was part of Kedah's Arts Body promoting Malaysian arts and culture.
Notable Achievements Include:
Winner of the National Dance Festival 1999 (BKNK).
Winner of the Zapin Festival (FesZan) 2007 (UPM).
Winner of Traditional Dance (Tari Malaysia) 2014 at the Kelantan State Level (Le' Waris).
Best Female Dancer at the Zapin Festival (FesZan) 2007 (UPM).
Best Performance at the Zapin Festival (FesZan) 2007 (UPM).
Best Costume at the Zapin Festival (FesZan) 2007 (UPM).
Best Female Dancer at the Zapin Dance Competition organized by Universiti Malaysia Sabah (Permata Tari Sabah).
Champion of the Malaysian Dance Festival 2019 (Tagap Dance Theatre Sabah).
Winner of the Dance Festival 2001 by the Federal Territory Group.
Reference Source
Bahan Bacaan
https://pnc.upm.edu.my/upload/dokumen/2017080108024620170607090337IMBASAN_KEGEMILANGAN_2016.pdf
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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