Zapin
ORIGIN
Zapin Melayu had its origins in Zapin Arab. Zapin Arab was first brought to Malay Archipelago by Arab-Muslim missionaries from the Middle East in the 15th century (Muhammad al alim & Siti nur syazana, 2019). Zapin Arab was introduced because it was originally used in dzikir practices that focussed on spreading knowledge about the Islamic civilization, its way of life and its history.
The Malays were forbidden to personally take part in Arab’s cultural expression (Mohd Anis, 2011, p. 42-46). However, they were energetic to assimilate and imitate the islamic-Arabic way of life . They wanted to create more up to date shapes of social expressions after the middle easterns. Therefore, they hybridize Zapin Arab with Malay dance movements culture to create Zapin Melayu. Zapin Melayu is well-established in the Straits of Malacca, and extended its influences to insular Southeast Asia, including Singapore, as a Malay-Islamic folk dance.
Today, Zapin Melayu is a reputable traditional dance amongst the Malay community. This dance form is performed in several styles associated with the different states and goes by
different names. For example, while it is called Zapin Pekan in Pahang, it is called Zapin Sebat in Sarawak.
References
Muhammad Al Alim & Siti Nur Syazana. (2019). Malay history and culture.
https://www.academia.edu/38914076/MALAY_HISTORY_and_CULTURE
Mohd Anis Md Nor. (2011). Sharing identities: Celebrating dance in Malaysia.
Routledge Taylor & Francis Group.
Roots. (2020, November). Zapin.