Every important event in a Bidayuh life is observed by dancing. Traditional dances are performed for a number of reasons, i.e. for entertainment, religious rituals, welcoming of guests, matrimonial celebrations and other occasions. It is a major feature of festivals held to thank God for a rich harvest. These dances have their own uniqueness, portraying the culture and the livelihood of Bidayuh. Dancing is an essential part of village or communal life. Thus, these dances are always a group activity. These activities often create an environment of unity and togetherness among the performers and the audience. These dances are among the many Bidayuh cultural heritages, passed down from generation to generation.

Every dance has its own significance and at the same time messages are derived from every move and formation. Messages are delivered through the various movement of the hands, fingers, as well as other parts of the dancer?s body.

There are not much written documents to indicate the origin of these dances and until today, it remains vague. This paper attempts to give an overview of the various dances as well as to provide the significance of each dance. It also discusses the negative and positive implications of the dance in relation to the contemporary needs of the community.

# Encik Robert Sulis Ridu is currently a Research Assistant with Majlis Adat Istiadat.  The information and recording of the traditional dances were obtained from his research and recording from different informants in Bau, Kuching, Lundu and Serian District.  Encik Lawrence Sinos Sabo was formerly a Cultural Officer of Dayak Bidayuh National Association and now is a Political Secretary to the Chief Minister, while Encik Ahi Sarok is a Lecturer in Public Administration at the Faculty of Social Science, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak.

Received on November 16, 1999.
Published on the Internet by courtesy of Mr. Ahi Sarok (January 05, 2000)
Re-Published for bidayuh dotcom by courtesy of  Mr. Ahi Sarok (May 03, 2000)

Citation:
Ridu, R. S., L. S. Sabu and A. Sarok. 1998. Bidayuh Traditional Dance. Paper presented at the Bidayuh Traditional Music, Songs, Dance and Costume Workshop held at Museum Tun Razak, Kuching on 16 - 17 May 1998. 16p. (http://www.geocities.com/dayung_biatah/biddance.html)

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