The attire of Sumaranum dancers reflects the traditional clothing of the Iranun ethnic community, crafted from a woven fabric known as Mugah or Dastar. This fabric typically features vertical stripe patterns and is used to create a costume called Sinipak, distinguished by sleeves with slits extending to the elbows. Female dancers wear long woven skirts, while male dancers wear long trousers paired with a sash.

The dancers are adorned with accessories that enhance the aesthetic appeal of their performance. These include embellishments for the neck, waist, and head. The neckpiece, called Mandapun, is made from golden-coloured copper or aluminium plates sewn onto black velvet. Around the waist, male dancers wear a belt known as Sabitan Bobutulan, while female dancers wear the Sabitan belt. Both belts are crafted from aluminium plates combined with elastic or black velvet fabric, measuring approximately three inches in width. Female dancers also wear a headpiece called Sinisip, made entirely of thin, gold-painted aluminium plates. In contrast, male dancers don the Sigar, a traditional headgear from Dastar fabric. Additionally, female dancers wear the Kinuku, a set of long nail adornments made from thin aluminium plates, each measuring three to five inches, worn on every finger.

The Sumaranum dance is accompanied by traditional musical instruments, including the Kulintangan, Bebandir (also known as Canang), and various gongs. The accompanying music has a lively and rhythmic tempo to complement the dancers' dynamic movements. This vibrant interplay between music and choreography creates an energetic and visually captivating performance, emphasising agility and precision.

The Sumaranum dance is generally performed in pairs, with its main movements centred around the hands. Female dancers hold their hands in a partially closed grip (Genggam Tak Sudah), while male dancers keep their palms open. The dance consists of five basic movement variations, as follows:

1. D’sayud movement

In the Iranun language, D’Sayud means "to sway." Both male and female dancers usually perform this movement at the beginning of the performance. Male dancers swing their hands higher, up to chest level, while female dancers keep theirs lower, at waist level. As they sway their hands, the dancers take small, alternating steps to the left and right.

2. Pagaid Sa Mayang a Mamaan movement

Pagaid Sa Mayang a Mamaan translates to "carrying the areca flower." This movement symbolises carrying the areca flower during a traditional healing ceremony.

3. Kinasadan movement

Kinasadan means "holding the waist." This movement involves stepping forward, backwards, left, or right while keeping both hands on the waist in a partially closed grip.

4. Matiburun movement

Matiburun translates to "circle" or "making circles." This movement is prominent throughout the performance, incorporating various body positions and floor patterns to create circular motions.

5. Lima Sa Kababan dan Lima Sa Puruan movement

This movement features the opening of the hands while curling the fingers. One hand is positioned above (Lima Sa Kababan), and the other below (Lima Sa Puruan). For example, if the right hand is positioned above, the left is positioned below, with the two hands alternating during the dance.

6. Tindeg dan Paguntud movement

Tindeg means "standing," while Paguntud means "sitting." This movement alternates between standing and seated positions, typically with male dancers standing while female dancers are seated, and vice versa. The sitting positions for male and female dancers differ. Male dancers sit with one leg bent as support and the other folded underneath, while female dancers sit with both legs folded neatly beneath their bodies, providing a cushion for the hips.

Mr. Asnari Taim. Citra Seni Budaya Association, 89150 Kota Belud, Sabah. 01 November 2024.