Zooming in on Sabahan and Sarawakian dance traditions in Aswara’s Tapestry series

Mohd Yunus Ismail (left) and Failul Adam (white top) say that Tandak Mengalai is a unique opportunity to experience Sabah and Sarawak through dance tradition and culture. Photo: The Star/Samuel Ong

The Faculty of Dance of Akademi Seni Budaya dan Warisan Kebangsaan (Aswara) is no stranger when it comes to shining the spotlight on Malaysian traditional dances. Under its Tapestry series, the faculty has put up successful productions such as last year’s Main Zapin and 2015’s dance-drama Hang Li Po.

Next weekend, the Tapestry series returns with Tandak Mengalai, a double-bill dance-drama based on two legends from Sabah and Sarawak. The 90-minute performance will present traditional dances from communities there, including the Murut, Kadazan, Bajau, Rungus, Iban, Bidayuh, Melanau and Orang Ulu.