ZapinVerseEmotion-aware VR for learning Zapin dance

Training

Watch, count and practise each Zapin step here, then dance it in ZapinVerse VR.

Reference performance

Noraniza Idris · Ya Salam · official music video

Open on YouTube

Video map

  • Grand steps
  • Night stage
  • Garden pavilion
  • Overhead
  • Singer
  • Step or formation

0:00Grand steps· Click the bar or a dot to jump to that part of the video

Training guide

Each step of the VR module: watch it, count it, practise it

Basics for every step

  • Stand tall, chest up, knees a little bent.
  • Zapin is counted in 8s. The basic pattern: step, step, step, reach, twice.
  • Small steps and low feet: don't show the soles of your feet. Keep your hips still.
  • The headset scores arms, timing and balance. Legs aren't scored yet.

  1. 1.Warm-upLoosen up

    Not shown

    Not in the video. Loosen shoulders, knees and ankles, then stand tall with soft knees: the starting posture for every Zapin step.

    Count
    1. 1–2bend
    2. 3–4rise
    3. 5–6bend
    4. 7–8rise
    Arms:
    Relaxed at the sides, fingers loosely curled
    Legs:
    Feet under the hips, knees soft
    Timing:
    Breathe in time with the count
    Balance:
    Weight even on both feet

  2. 2.Langkah AsasBasic step

    The step everything else is built on: three small steps, then the free foot reaches forward, twice in every 8 counts. In the video the dancers do it lightly on the steps, arms swinging loosely.

    Count
    1. 1step
    2. 2step
    3. 3step
    4. 4reach
    5. 5step
    6. 6step
    7. 7step
    8. 8reach
    Arms:
    Swing loosely, opposite to the stepping foot; open out on the reach
    Legs:
    Start on the right foot; knees soft (mendak); the reaching foot stays low
    Timing:
    Step on 1, 2, 3, reach on 4; again on 5 to 8
    Balance:
    Body upright; land softly on the ball of the foot

  3. 3.TahtoLow crouch

    In Zapin, tahto is a closing figure, danced to the marwas drums at the end of a section or of the dance. The VR module teaches it as the low crouch from the video: knees bend deeply, the torso leans forward and the arms reach ahead, while the lead stays standing.

    Count
    1. 1–2go down
    2. 3–6hold
    3. 7–8come up
    Arms:
    Reach forward and low, elbows soft
    Legs:
    Front knee over the foot, back knee towards the floor
    Timing:
    Down on 1–2, hold, up on 7–8, with the group
    Balance:
    Lower with control; don't drop onto the knee

  4. 4.Arm sweep and side lungeFrom the video

    This video's own choreography. From three rows on the steps the dancers open both arms at shoulder height, sweep one arm across, then sink into a wide side lunge with one arm high and one low.

    Count
    1. 1–2open
    2. 3–4sweep
    3. 5–6lunge
    4. 7–8hold
    Arms:
    Open at shoulder height, sweep across, then one high and one low
    Legs:
    Bent knee over the foot, other leg long
    Timing:
    Open, sweep, lunge, hold: 2 counts each
    Balance:
    Hips stay low and level

  5. 5.PusingTurn

    A half turn to face the other way, then keep travelling. In the video the dancers turn with one arm raised high; in the pavilion the pairs turn around each other.

    Count
    1. 1step
    2. 2step
    3. 3step
    4. 4reach
    5. 5step
    6. 6step
    7. 7–8half turn
    Arms:
    One arm leads the turn, raised above the head
    Legs:
    Small steps through the turn; knees stay soft
    Timing:
    Basic count, with the half turn on 7–8
    Balance:
    Keep your weight over your feet as you turn

  6. 6.Langkah MajuTravel forward

    Langkah Asas travelling forward. In the video the group comes forward and down the steps, leaning into each step with the arms open to the sides.

    Count
    1. 1step
    2. 2step
    3. 3step
    4. 4reach
    5. 5step
    6. 6step
    7. 7step
    8. 8reach
    Arms:
    Open to the sides at shoulder height
    Legs:
    Front knee bends as you step; back leg long
    Timing:
    Same count as Langkah Asas; the line moves together
    Balance:
    Lean slightly into the step without tipping

  7. 7.PenutupClosing salam

    The dance ends with a salam, a respectful greeting with palms pressed together at the chest. In the video the front rows kneel on one knee, the back row stands, and the lead stands in the centre.

    Count
    1. 1–2kneel
    2. 3–4salam
    3. 5–8hold
    Arms:
    Palms together at the chest, elbows relaxed
    Legs:
    One knee down, the other foot flat in front
    Timing:
    Kneel on 1–2, salam on 3–4, hold as the music ends
    Balance:
    Back straight, head slightly bowed