In Malaysia, dances can be clearly defined into two categories: traditional and modern dances. The traditional dances were initially an integral part of the animistic rituals that adorned the lives of the early Malays. They served to placate the various spirits which governed numerous facets of their lives. Through the passage of time and with various religious influences, they became more structured and refined to serve both ritualistic and secular functions. During the realm of the Melaka Sultanate, the court dances were differentiated from folk dances by their refinements, courtly etiquette and regal ambiance.
With the advent of new knowledge and technology, the religious functions of dance were slowly eroded. There was no longer any need to placate the spirits of the rain for padi-planting nor was there any necessity to appease the spirits of the land when there was an epidemic. Furthermore, most thanksgiving and offerings are performed in the Islamic manner – through prayers, supplications and reciting of the holy Qur‘an. Hence, the court and folk dances remain to mainly serve the secular entertainment function.
At the time when traditional Malay dances were the main source of entertainment in the rural areas, there was a parallel development of pseudo-western dances – that combined traditional and western elements, in the urban centres. One such dance was the ronggeng or joget moden organised on a commercial basis where patrons paid to dance with dance hostesses. In addition, there were cabarets and dance halls which featured exclusively Latin American dances such as the mambo, cha-cha and samba; and also the European waltz and foxtrot.
Through the 50s and the 60s, new dance movements such as the twist, jive and rock n‘roll became popular first via films and then television. When disco dancing reared its head in the mid-60s, it took the younger generation by storm, and almost every major hotel had an inhouse discotheque. Then, came aerobics, combining jazz and modern dance movements. With a strong following, aerobic studios have mushroomed all over the country.
Source: http://www.windowstomalaysia.com.my/nation/13_1_1.htm
