Dance embodies the essence of a nation’s heritage and culture in its most traditional form, allowing individuals to develop an admiration for their own roots, while acquiring insights into traditional dance styles.
Through preserving the wealth of cultural heritage and cultivating talent within the realm of cultural arts that is Tarian Brunei Asli, or Traditional Bruneian Dance, we dive into the thoughts of those still in active practice of the art form.
“Very few individuals, particularly among the younger generation, possess the inclination to delve into the intricacies of dance movements and unravel the narratives intertwined with these dances.”
This is the sentiment of Haji Ramli bin Haji Jumat, who manages the Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) traditional dance group. He added that there are still those who remain oblivious to its existence.
Tarian Brunei Asli, he said, empowers individuals by giving them control over their mental and physical movements. As the dancers learn to cooperate with their peers, they develop an appreciation for their Bruneian heritage and values.
“I believe this is achieved through a fully immersive experience where dancers invest their cognition, physicality, and emotions into the dances,” Haji Ramli said.
Mohamad Zainul Abidin bin Mohd Sufian or Zayn Sofian who leads the Flynn Dancers, meanwhile, said traditional dancers are focused on dispelling the stigma that traditional dance is boring.
“There’s a need to educate the youth on its importance. Learning traditional Bruneian dances is our form of identity. Our identity is our culture,” he said.
Through this empowerment, Zayn believes youth will see how traditional dance allows women to embrace their femininity and men to embody their masculinity. Throughout the years, Tarian Brunei Asli has remained relatively unchanged, unlike Creative Traditional Dance which allows for improvisation and incorporation of contemporary elements and movements.
Zayn added that it has been adjusted to accommodate Syariah compliance.
“Our traditional dances have always embraced moderation, grace, gentleness and politeness for women, as well as masculinity and strength within men,” Zayn said.
“It has maintained a practice of avoiding physical contact between dancers of opposite genders, even when performing as partners, exemplifying the Malay culture’s commitment to respecting boundaries.”
By adhering to the principle, Zayn believes the dance becomes more courteous, showcasing the distinct Bruneian identity and beauty of the Brunei Malay culture.
It allows for an emphasis on the artistry of movement and the intricacy of steps, prioritising these as well as the cultural and educational aspects over dance partnerships and purely entertainment-oriented elements.
In aspects of clothing, both Zayn and Haji Ramli share similar observations. While Brunei’s traditional dance attire has always been regarded as elegant, there is a growing trend of female traditional dancers wearing headscarves while performing, refraining from wearing revealing clothing.
Two remarkable traditional dances that captivate both performers and audiences are Samalindang and Tarian Medayut or Mendayut.
Samalindang, accompanied by an enchanting melody, lends itself effortlessly to choreography, enabling dancers to explore creative flows and patterns that enhance the elegance of their movements, while Tarian Medayut serves as an entertaining showcase of the physical fitness of the Malay people.
Embodying the true essence of ‘kemelayuan’ and the strength of the Malays, it exposes dancers and viewers – especially the youth – to its power, with the integration of silat martial arts.
Another notable traditional Bruneian dance is Dang Mengalai. While the movements in this dance appear deceptively simple, synchronising dancers is a challenging endeavour, but its profound outcome leads its dancers to have a deeper connection to the traditions and heritage of Brunei.
Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) took a proactive approach to uphold cultural heritage and foster talent in the realm of cultural arts through the organisation of the inaugural Brunei Traditional Dance Competition for Higher Learning Institutions.
The event provided participants with a platform to showcase their creativity and elevate their skills to a national level, with the ultimate aspiration of representing their country on the international stage.
Notably, the host’s dancers demonstrated their exceptional talent by securing the top position in this competition, serving as a testament to their remarkable abilities. – Lyna Mohamad
