Senior Citizens Delve Into Traditional Malay Dances

By Nurhafizah Tan

KUALA LUMPUR, March 31 (Bernama) -- Even in her senior years, Koo Soo Ming’s dedication to delving into traditional Malay dances and sharing her passion and knowledge with her peers continues undiminished.

The 65-year-old woman believes there's no such thing as impossible or too late for her to learn dances like zapin, inang, and joget, thus realising her childhood fascination with Malay dance.

"I started dancing during school, but it wasn't Malay dance back then. However, I stopped dancing after completing university and starting a family and resumed my passion at the age of 50 for programmes and charity events.

"At the age of 61, during the MCO (Movement Control Order), I joined the viral #InangChallenge before deciding to join dance classes by choreographer Khairulazhar Mohtar to hone my talent," she told Bernama.

The Kelantan native then passed on the knowledge acquired through classes 'opened' specifically for her age group, who share the same interests and see dance as contributing to their physical and mental fitness.

"I don't want this class to just be like exercise activities for senior citizens to fill their leisure time, but I want it to be self-rewarding when they are able to perform.

"I want us to dance not just for fun, but to a level that we can be proud of, even though not up to professional standards. I believe there are talents among us who can shine," said Koo, who has trained over 60 participants aged between 50 and 77.

The traditional Malay dance class under the Active Ageing Impact Lab programme at Taylor's University Lakeside Campus in Subang Jaya, is held once a week at the Experimental Theatre.

Two senior dance groups called Inang Sari and TariMas were then formed. They have performed at various events such as the Active Ageing Festival at Taylor's University in Sept 2023, the Life Begins At 50 Festival at Atria Shopping Gallery in Oct 2023, and the Malaysia 50+ Expo 2024 in early March at Setia City Convention Centre.

Koo, who is a freelance translator, said that the graceful and gentle movements of Malay dances are more suitable for the elderly compared to other dances like zumba and Bollywood, which require more vigorous movements including jumping.

"It does require energy and may cause fatigue, but it's still within the capabilities of the elderly participants," she said, hoping for more support from various parties including the National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN) to further develop the initiative.

Meanwhile, former lecturer and participant of the programme, Dr Kuang Ching Hei, 66, shared that besides learning the dance rhythms, she also started to appreciate traditional Malay music since joining the classes.

"During the classes, the teacher (Koo) not only taught dance steps but also shared the cultural origins of the dances. Dancing makes me feel more confident and healthy, improves my attitude and boosts my spirits,” she said.

Nancy Harrigan, 77, who is the oldest participant described dancing as helping to strengthen her memory besides enhancing movement and health levels.

"As seniors, we are more prone to dementia and Alzheimer's, so we must continue to stay active, socialise, and keep learning. Learning has no age limit," she said. 

-- BERNAMA