By Abang Farid Abang Taha & Nur Shazreena Ali
KUCHING: The Tarian Alu-Alu (Melanau traditional dance) is among the workshops held in conjunction with the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) welcoming locals and tourist alike to join in the unique culture at the Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV) here.
It’s just like the traditional skipping rope but with a difference in the tools used. Instead of ropes, the Alu-Alu dance uses two bamboo sticks and combines skill, precision and agility.
Dancers hop in and out of two clapping bamboo poles where the slightest miscalculation could land the dancer on a trip to the hospital.
According to SVC Traditional Dance coach Martina Benedict Paul, the workshop invites visitors here to learn about Sarawak culture in a fun and exciting environment.
“We want to educate the people that the Alu-Alu dance is different from other traditional bamboo dances such as the Cheraw Dance (India), Magnutip (Sabah) or Tinikling (the Philippines).
“It differs in the beating, rhythm and purpose in the Melanau custom. This dance is usually performed by the Melanau community when death occurs in the family to comfort relatives of the dead.
“Back then, the community were close together. So, when a community member passed away, the pain is shared amongst the people,” she said.
The workshop was attended by visitors eager to join in and learn the Alu-Alu dance.
Among the participants was Helen Milligan, from South Africa who told reporters that the dance was much harder than it looked.
“Although it’s quite a thrill but at the same time I was frightened as one mistake, I could end up in the hospital with a broken ankle.
“I am also glad that I was able to join in the fun. I guess this dance needs a lot of trust in the person who holds the bamboo and it’s good to get to know new faces during the festival,” she said.
Meanwhile, a tourist from the United States of America, Charlie Junkins, said he had a really great time participating in the workshop.
“The workshop was quite impressive and quite cool as they used bamboo poles in their dance. It’s kind of similar to skipping rope but with a thrill.
“As it is my first time to RWMF and Sarawak, I give the festival a thumbs-up. Truly, more to discover here,” he said.
For more inquiries on the RWMF 2019, the public can visit this website at myguide.rwmf.net or come up to the Sarawak Cultural Village to join in the rainforest fever.
