Zapin

"Zapin" (Jawi: زافين) is a dance form that is popular in Malaysia especially in the state of Johor. It is believed to have been introduced by Muslim missionaries from the Middle East in the 14th century.

In the old days, only males were allowed to perform but nowadays, female dancers are included. It used to be performed exclusively for religious ceremonies but through the years it has become a form of traditional entertainment, hence the participation of female dancers are allowed.

The dancers usually perform in pairs and are accompanied by a traditional music ensemble normally consists of the gambus, accordion, violin, marwas (bongos), rebana (drum) and dok.

There are numerous types of zapin, and each type varies by the movement and style of dance:
* Zapin Melayu Johor
* Zapin Pulau
* Zapin Tenglu
* Zapin Tenglu 2
* Zapin Lenga
* Zapin Pekajang
* Zapin Arab
* Zapin Jambi
* Zapin Singapura

ee also

* Zaffa

External links

* [http://www.dancemalaysia.com/Dance/Traditional/Folk_Dance/Zapin/zapin.htm Origin of Zapin]
* [http://www.musicmall-asia.com/malaysia/folk/zapin.html Information on Zapin characteristics]
* [http://www.zapin.cjb.net/ Personal website on Zapin]
* [http://portal.unesco.org/culture/en/files/21757/10891257253hilarian.pdf/hilarian.pdf The gambus (lutes) of the Malay world: its origins and significance in zapin Music] , Larry Hilarian, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 06 Jul 2004
* Charles Capwell, [http://www.jstor.org/pss/768104 Contemporary Manifestations of Yemeni-Derived Song and Dance in Indonesia] , Yearbook for Traditional Music, Vol. 27, (1995), pp. 76-89