Embodied Harmony in Malay Dance introduces four Malay terms, Kelakuan (body as behaviour), Keserasian (rhythmic and social harmony), Penyembuhan (healing and deep internalisation), and Jatidiri (image-making and identity) as a culturally rooted perspective for dance appreciation. Current evaluative frameworks for Malay dance often depend on Javanese court terminology, English performance descriptors, or broad aesthetic standards, which may not fully encompass the ethical, relational, spiritual, and visual identity aspects that influence Malay dance practice and perception. Grounded in the Malay-Islamic philosophy of adat bersendikan syarak, syarak bersendikan kitabullah, and informed by the Malay Dance in Therapy Nucleus, this paper proposes a robust and culturally authentic vocabulary relevant across traditional, kreasi baharu, and contemporary Malay dance forms. This framework enhances dance criticism and education by equipping practitioners, educators, and critics with culturally meaningful language to express their values in performance.
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