Dance and music are dependent on the culture of Malaysia, just as Malaysia depends on dance and music. These two art forms are essential to the people of this country, and just as varied as the heritage, so to are these art forms varied. Most forms practiced today have evolved from the earlier forms of fulfilling basic and ritualistic needs into complex forms taking from many different components of the culture to become what they are today and what they signify in the modern world. For those traveling to this destination to catch performances or to participate in them, any Malaysian hotel will be able to offer suggestions and directions on the best places to attend the performances.
Many of the rhythms of the music, stem from many years ago when drums were a form of communication from hilltops to hilltops, before the modern conveniences of telephones and email. All news was spread throughout the regions by a kind of Morris code of standard beats, warning of danger and other news, wedding and celebration announcements, where all delivered by the drummers on the hills. Now these traditional drums are used often times to back up the music of the Gamelan. Although a large festival occurs each summer in Kelantan, the Giant Drum Festival, which celebrates the historical significance of the drums and the drummers, as well as just celebrating and honoring the music. The Gamelan originates in Indonesia, and is a string instrument that produces a very subtle tune.
The elegant dance form of Malaysian is called Silat. This has origins in the choreography of martial arts. Performances such as these are often times performed at festivals and weddings, as they are very celebratory in nature. Another common site at festivals and on stage is the Candle Dance. During these performances dancers hold lit candles and they perform delicate movements, and the candle flames twinkle and create mesmerizes visual effects. There are many forms of folk dancing as well, that all the Malaysians participate in during festivals and parties. And most of the theater performances in the country combine all the arts, drama, dance, music and comedy. Any performance one catches while visiting will be sure to leave a lasting memory.
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