Sarawak, the Land of Hornbills, is the largest state of Malaysia and is very rich with its very own treasures especially its diverse and colourful inhabitants must surely rate as one of its most prized assets. The inhabitants of Sarawak, comprising the Bidayuh, Iban, Malay, Chinese, Melanau and Orang Ulu (which comprises ethnic groups such as the Kenyah, Kayan, Kelabit, Lun Bawang, Kedayan, Bisaya, Kajang, Penan, etc) strecth from the coastal lowlands to the highlands in the interior.

The diversity and varification in races and cultures have contributed to a lively cultural mix and to a cultural potpourri which is seen in the volume,nature and variation of ethnic handcrafts and artefacts, in the multiplicity of beliefs and festivals and not least in the array and range of music, dances and songs.

Dances, music and songs are important manifestations of culture amongst the ethnic groups of Sarawak. They represent not only the creation of human expression and artistry but also reflect the asprations and social values of the society. Traditional music and dances are, today, slowly showing the impact of influences from modern music particularly from the west but in the rural areas they still play a part in the daily lives of the people as a form of cultural expression. Dances, music and songs constitute not only a form of entertainment but are often expressions of past activities or traditions, of beliefs or superstitions or of social norms and values.

This cultural dance synopsis presents a number of the dances of the major ethnic groups of Sarawak and explains the meanings and the cultural expressions found, interpreted or implied therein.  

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