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TARIAN TINGKAH TALU
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Introduction and history
Tingkah Talu, or its full name, Jepin Tingkah Talu Ulun Pagun, is a traditional dance passed down by the Tidung ethnic from the Tawau district, encompassing areas such as Kalabakan, Merotai, Bum Balai, Sebatik, and several regions around Sandakan and Beluran (Sugut). Tingkah Talu means "Three Steps" and originates in Kampung Mentadak, Sebatik Island. It is a dance rooted in the zapin tradition. Historically, this dance originates from the influence of Arab-Persian culture, introduced through intermarriages between Arabs and the Tidung ethnic during the global spread of Islam. Consequently, the style of this performance closely resembles the traditional form of zapin dances. The basic structure of this dance typically begins with Taqsim, accompanied by a solo gambus performance, and concludes with Wainab.
Originally, men performed the Tingkah Talu dance exclusively and served as entertainment for celebratory events such as weddings, traditional festivals, welcoming guests, and other official occasions. In the contemporary context, it has evolved to be performed in pairs and continues to gain attention among zapin dancers. As a result, the dance plays an important role as a cultural icon that brings pride to the Tidung community.
Generally, this dance does not require a specific costume for performances. Typically, the attire worn by the dancers consists of traditional baju melayu outfits, such as the baju teluk belanga or cekak musang, paired with baju kurung or long kebaya dresses for the performance.
During the performance, this dance is accompanied by the song "Andang-Andang," which means "It has become a habit" or "That's just how it is." The song is performed with a musical ensemble that includes the gambus, rebana, drums, and maracas.
Originally, this dance was performed exclusively by men. However, it is now performed in pairs within a group. The basic steps and rhythm of the song are counted in sets of three. The movements emphasise two hand rotations followed by a worship-like clap and a stomping motion of the feet in a right-left-right pattern. Other movements involve circular formations, where positions shift on the third count before altering the floor pattern. As a zapin-style dance, its defining features are beginning with Taqsim and ending with Wainab.
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Reference Source
Abdul Munir Hafizy Ladoni. (2012). Tidung. Dalam Kntayya Mariappan & Paul Porodong. Siri etnik Sabah ITBM-UMS: Murut & Pelbagai Etnik Kecil Lain di Sabah. Institut Terjemahan Buku Malaysia.
Kebudayaan, R. D. T. Laporan Penelitian Corak Perkembangan dan Analisis Hubungan Kehidupan Masyarakat Suku Tidung Ulun Pagun Di Wilayah Kota Tarakan Dengan Teori Receptio In Complexu.
Nor, M. A. M. (1990). The Zapin Melayu dance of Johor: from village to a national performance tradition. University of Michigan.
Nor, M. (2010). Dancing the silent dhikr: Negotiating temporality and reciting litanies in the zapin dance in Maritime Southeast Asia.
Location
State JKKN Contact Information
Puan Nurshahrinna Syahrial
Cultural Officer
Jabatan Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Negara, Sabah
Kompleks JKKN Sabah,
Jalan Tasik off KM4 Jalan Penampang,
88200 Kota Kinabalu
SABAH
088-205070
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