The dance features soft and symbolic movements, paired with costumes that reflect traditional and religious values. The colors of Nazam Dance costumes are typically soft, symbolizing tranquility, such as blue, white, pink, or golden yellow. The costume motifs are often inspired by nature, Malay culture, and Islamic art. The materials used for these costumes are usually smooth and comfortable, such as silk, satin, or cotton, which add a graceful and harmonious effect to the gentle dance movements.

1. Women's Attire

o Baju Kurung:

A popular traditional Malay outfit for women, consisting of a loose-fitting top with long sleeves, paired with a long skirt that extends below the knees or longer. Made from soft fabrics like satin or silk, the baju kurung is often decorated with fine embroidery or elegant motifs.

o Baju Kebaya:

Some female dancers wear baju kebaya, a traditional outfit that is more form-fitting at the upper body and usually paired with a long skirt. Kebaya is often combined with a sarong or songket, featuring rich and beautiful motifs.

o Songket Skirt:

Women wear songket, a traditional fabric often adorned with gold or silver threads, adding a luxurious and graceful touch. Songket skirts are commonly worn to add formality and honor tradition.

o Samping:

Women often wear samping, an additional fabric wrapped around the waist, which enhances the formal and elegant appearance.

o Accessories:

Female dancers complete their look with a scarf or head covering, as well as hair ornaments such as flowers or small crowns, adding an elegant touch to their appearance.

2. Men's Attire

o Baju Melayu:

The common attire for male dancers in the Nazam Dance is baju Melayu, a traditional loose-fitting shirt with long sleeves, paired with a samping wrapped around the waist. The design is simple yet modest and elegant.

o Songket or Cekak Musang:

For the lower body, men typically wear songket or cekak musang, a traditional woven fabric with intricate patterns, adding elegance and formality to their attire.

o Songkok or Turban:

Male dancers usually wear a songkok (a traditional Malay hat) or a turban on their heads. The songkok is typically black, while the turban may be white or in other soft colors.

o Accessories:

Occasionally, male dancers also wear a keris, a traditional Malay dagger, symbolizing Malay cultural heritage and worn at the waist.

The original Nazam Dance performances are unaccompanied by musical instruments. However, in creative Nazam performances, musical accompaniment is added to enhance the uniqueness of this art form. The instruments used for such performances include:

• Chimes

• Conga

• Cajon

• Tambourine

• Shaker

• Yankee

The Nazam Dance is typically performed during religious or traditional events and often conveys moral or spiritual messages. Below are the steps for performing the Nazam Dance:

1. Preparation Before the Performance

• Dance Movement Training:

Dancers must practice the movements with a focus on precision and grace. The movements in the Nazam Dance are usually gentle, orderly, and symbolic, requiring every step to be performed with great care.

• Costume and Accessories:

Before the performance, dancers should wear traditional attire such as baju kurung or kebaya for women and baju Melayu for men. These outfits must be complete with accessories like scarves, songkok, or headpieces to ensure an elegant and respectful appearance.

• Musical Accompaniment:

The Nazam Dance is accompanied by traditional Malay music, including instruments such as drums, fiddles, or flutes. The music plays a key role in creating a serene and meaningful atmosphere. Ensure all instruments are prepared and well-coordinated.

2. Opening Performance

• Welcome and Introduction:

Before the dance begins, there is usually a welcome or introduction by the host. This could include a brief explanation of the dance's purpose or the message conveyed through the performance and accompanying verses.

• Positioning:

Dancers take their designated positions, focusing on politeness and orderly formations. The Nazam Dance is often performed in groups, with dancers moving harmoniously.

3. Dance Movements

• Gentle and Orderly Movements:

The movements in the Nazam Dance are soft and precise. Dancers must ensure every gesture is smooth and aligned with the accompanying music.

• Symbolic Gestures:

Each movement typically holds specific meaning related to religious or traditional values. For example, hand gestures directed upwards may symbolize prayers or hopes, while deeper movements may reflect respect or togetherness.

• Coordination with Music:

The dancers' movements must always be in sync with the rhythm of the music. The speed and tempo of the movements are adjusted to the music, ensuring the dance's message is conveyed effectively.

4. Use of Poems and Songs

• Verses or Nasyid:

The Nazam Dance often includes recitations of verses or songs containing religious or moral messages. These verses may praise Allah or the Prophet Muhammad, or share life lessons about goodness and virtue.

• Presentation of Verses:

The verses or songs may be delivered by background singers or the dancers themselves, depending on the tradition of the performance. These add depth to the dance, making it not only a form of entertainment but also a medium for conveying religious values.

5. Closing Performance

• Ending Movements:

The Nazam Dance typically concludes with graceful and respectful movements, marking the end of the performance. Dancers may perform a final gesture toward the audience or a specific direction as a sign of gratitude or respect.

• Thanksgiving:

After the dance, it is common to have expressions of gratitude or prayers as a form of respect to the audience or event organizers.

• Peaceful Conclusion:

The dance ends in a calm and peaceful atmosphere, reflecting the values embedded within the performance.

6. Etiquette and Grandeur of the Dance

• Maintaining Politeness:

In every step and movement, dancers must uphold a respectful demeanor, honoring cultural and religious values. The Nazam Dance is not merely a performance but also a medium for conveying moral and spiritual messages.

• Conveying the Message:

As part of religious traditions, the dance serves to deliver religious teachings through its movements and accompanying verses. Therefore, dancers must ensure the message is communicated effectively with sincerity and respect.

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