Development of Choreography of the Zapin Dance in the City of Jambi

Abstract

The goal of this article is to discuss the development of the Zapin dance and Dana dance in the city of Jambi from the aspect of the changes in form of choreography. The Zapin dance and Dana dance are traditional dances with an Islamic cultural influence that have developed in the city of Jambi. These dances were brought by Arab traders several centuries ago when Islam was first introduced in Jambi, and served as a medium for Islamic proselytism or da’wah. The original dance was the Dana dance, which subsequently developed to become two separate dances, the Zapin dance and the Dana dance. The Zapin dance was developed by the Arab community from Kampung Manggis, while the Dana dance was developed by the mixed Arab and Jambi Malay community in Kota Seberang. The Zapin dance has subsequently undergone further developments to become a new, creative form of Zapin called Zapin kreasi, characterized by its attractive flying foot movements, which have made it popular among the young generation. The Dana dance, on the other hand, has been developed to include elements of the Malay Jambi culture, so that its movements, music, and costumes have been acculturated with local culture.

Keywords: development, Zapin dance, Dana dance, choreography

DOI: 10.7176/ADS/83-10

Publication date:July 31st 2020