Saturday, July 26, 2008

Zapin vs Capoeira

If i have a chance to learn dancing i would probably choose zapin or either capoeira. Zapin?Capoeira?Well zapin is a traditional dancing from Johor which have a unique body movement especially the head. I am so curious and excited about zapin when the dancers started to budge their head which is so interesting for me to learn it one day, i guess. 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.

How should i describe capoeira?Basically capoeira "A dance like a fight, a fight like a dance, a song... a way of life" is a blend of martial art, game and dance originated in Brazil. The art-form started up in Brazil during the 16th Century, an obvious result of the slave trading that took place in conjunction with the previously slaved native Indians. Capoeira was created and developed by slaves brought from Africa. Participants form a roda (circle) and take turns playing instruments, singing and sparring in pairs in the center of the circle. The game is marked by fluid acrobatic play, feints and extensive use of groundwork, as well as sweeps, kicks and headbutss. Less frequently-used techniques include elbow-strikes, slaps, punches and body-throws.

1 comment:

Aliah Ali said...

i love capoeira!! atig skang tgh join capoeira team at uniten. they are a having a capoeira class for beginners every wednesday night. nk join marilah!