zapin

Zapin is a dance form that is popular in Malaysian (especially in the state of Johor) and in Indonesia (Jambi province). It is believed to have been introduced by Arab, Muslim missionaries from the Middle East in the fourteenth century.
In the old days, only males were allowed to perform; 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,rebab,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