ASYIK is a classical royal court dance popular in Pattani and Kelantan. According to Hikayat Patani, the dance was created in 1644 to entertain the grieving Ratu Kuning over the loss of her favourite bird. The dance’s name “the beloved” could refer to the lost bird.
The performance begins with 10 elaborately costumed dancers entering the hall and sitting gracefully. The prima donna, also known as Puteri Asyik, then appears and the dance begins with gracious and delicate body movements and gestures.
The orchestra accompanying each performance consists of 11 types of gedombak asyik, gambang, usually made of slabs of wood or bronze, and a rebab.
Although it started out at a court dance, over time, the dance has become popular among common folk who used as entertainment during festivals and marriages. – July 1, 2018.
Dancers in traditional costumes making their way to the stage at the start of an asyik performance in Kuala Lumpur. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Najjua Zulkefli, July 1, 2018.Dancers in traditional costumes preparing backstage before an asyik performance in Kuala Lumpur. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Najjua Zulkefli, July 1, 2018.A dancer waiting backstage at the start of an asyik performance in Kuala Lumpur. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Najjua Zulkefli, July 1, 2018.A dancer in traditional costume preparing backstage before an asyik performance in Kuala Lumpur. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Najjua Zulkefli, July 1, 2018.Dancers in traditional costumes preparing backstage before an asyik performance in Kuala Lumpur. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Najjua Zulkefli, July 1, 2018.A dancer in traditional costume preparing backstage before an asyik performance in Kuala Lumpur. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Najjua Zulkefli, July 1, 2018.Dancers in traditional costumes preparing backstage before an asyik performance in Kuala Lumpur. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Najjua Zulkefli, July 1, 2018.Dancers in traditional costumes preparing backstage before an asyik performance in Kuala Lumpur. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Najjua Zulkefli, July 1, 2018.Dancers in traditional costumes preparing backstage before an asyik performance in Kuala Lumpur. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Najjua Zulkefli, July 1, 2018.Asyik dancers on stage in Kuala Lumpur. Asyik is a classical royal court dance popular in Pattani and Kelantan. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Najjua Zulkefli, July 1, 2018.Dancers in traditional costumes performing an asyik classical dance in Kuala Lumpur. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Najjua Zulkefli, July 1, 2018.A dancer wearing traditional costume performing an asyik classical dance in Kuala Lumpur. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Najjua Zulkefli, July 1, 2018.
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