HERITAGE!!!

Malaysia is famous for its multiethnic and multicultural make up that features people of different religion and race living in a harmonious and peaceful atmosphere. This diversity in culture is reflected through the arts and especially the dance in Malaysia. But fewer efforts made to uphold the culture alive and pass it on to the next generation. Youngsters nowadays are not even exposed to the varied forms of our traditional dance. The Malays have Mak Yong, Tarian Lilin, Zapin, Kuda Kepang and Joget ; Chinese have The Lion and Dragon dances; Indians have Bharata Natyam and Bhangra; People of Sabah and Sarawak have Ngajat, Datun Julud, Sumazau and Bamboo dance. There may be more which we are yet to discover. Due to the globalisation and modernisation, teenagers nowadays spend more time on the technologies as a way of life. They are more prone to the modern dances and modern music. Being an Indian by race, I am more exposed to the forms of Indian traditional dances. They are Bharathatnatyam, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Kathak and etc. The most known form in Malaysia is Bharatanatyam. I have always been fascinated to watch the dancers moving away so gracefully with the facial expressions and eye movements they make which go along with the music. They are really amazing. It has always been my desire (or merely a wish) to learn this traditional dance but did not get the chance. Anyway, I did learn a few steps from my sister who learnt Bharathanatyam. I have not only adored Bharathanatyam but also the Zapin dance. I first got to know about this dance when we were in IPTI, JB. Johor is well known for the Zapin dance. We also did perform the Zapin dance once during the national Day celebration in Johor Bahru. It has been a great fun and I was really excited when dancing it. That was a new and amazing experience for me. In my point of view, parents should take the responsibility to expose their children to the traditional dance forms in Malaysia. I would also appreciate those who take the effort to send their children to learn these dances. It will be a way of inheriting and treasuring the dances to keep our heritage alive.