Longdance of the hornbill

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A graceful performance by Tingang Madang.

SWAYING slowly and gracefully like a hornbill soaring into the air with each rhythmic flap of the wings – that’s one of the ways to describe the uniqueness of the Kayan “Hivan Joh” longdance, staged at Tuke Hall, Regent’s University Inner Circle, London, during the Borneo Hornbill Festival last year.

The cultured seven-minute performance was accompanied by beautiful sape music, spell-binding the over 400-strong audience.

Connie Layun Laing

Connie Layun Laing who heads the dance team, said the troupe’s name “Tingang Madang” (flying hornbill in Kayan) was appropriate and symbolic as hornbill is the State Bird of Sarawak.

“We are imitating the movements of the hornbill flying slowly, moving its wings, feet and body,” she told thesundaypost.

Tingang Madang were formed on May 13, 2014, after the group won a longdance competition, organised by the Kayan Sarawak Association, in conjunction with the Baram Regatta Festival in Marudi that same year.

The all-women troupe comprises eight Orang Ulu members from seven villages in Baram. They are Connie (from Long Atip), Winnie Luhong Ngo (Long Panai), Margaret Lahung Mering (Long Laput), Aren Wan (Long Bedian), Roslyna Ubung Anyie (Uma Bawang), Christina Baun Lahang (Long Tap) and Angela Wan and Do’ Jau (both from Long Beman).

“There are many modern dances these days that are affecting the uniqueness of our traditional dances. But winning that competition in 2014 motivated us to come together and promote the longdance to a higher level.

“We spend a lot of time training and improving our skills,” Connie said, adding that they did not have any problems practising together as they all live in Miri.”

 

Connie (fourth right) and members of Tingang Madang with their appreciation certificate after accompanying a performance by Baram Sape Master at Tuke Hall, Regent’s University Inner Circle, London, during the Borneo Hornbill Festival last year.

Mastering the longdance

Connie revealed all the Tingang Madang members learned the longdance early and had mastered it through dedication.

“It’s common in the Kayan community that each family must have at least one member who inherits the longdance skills and can perform it well.

“In fact, all my children have mastered it and can perform without problems on request,” added Connie who has been long-dancing herself since primary school.

According to her, the longdance is synonymous with the Orang Ulu community and accompanied by sape music without which, the  presentation will not be complete.

Tingang Madang dancers taking a ‘wefie’ in front of Regent’s University Inner Circle, London.

Each dancer must be dressed in full traditional attire which includes Lavung Se’k (beaded headgear), Ta’ah (sarong), Bilang Inu (beaded scarf), Basung (blouse), Leku (wrist and ankle bracelets), Tesa (belt), Teba’eng Inu (beads chain), Kirep (hornbill feathers) and Iseng Sabau (earrings).

The value of the accessories is estimated at RM2,000 and all families must have some, if not all of them.

 

Soaring popularity

Connie said in the old days, longdance was normally performed in villages and small towns, but today, its popularity has soared and many functions or events would feature the “Hivan Joh.”

Since their formation, Tingang Madang have appeared on stage throughout Sarawak and also been invited to perform at weddings, government functions and cultural events as well as for charity for churches around Miri city.

On Sept 10, 2016, the troupe were invited to perform at the Head of State’s 80th birthday celebration. They were also the welcoming dancer s at  the  high tea ceremony in Miri Civic Centre  the following day.

Connie said performing in front of the Head of State was a great honour and an unforgettable experience for the members.

Tingang Madang with Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan at a function they were invited to perform.

Apart from performing outside Miri, including in Brunei and Kuala Lumpur, Tingang Madang also appeared alongside Borneo Sape Master (BSM) in London and Amsterdam last year.

“The opportunity to perform in London and two places in Amsterdam — Malaysia External  Trade Development Corporation (Matrad   kweg, Rotterdam, and the Church of Our Saviour, The Hague — as well as cultural visits to Paris and Brussel were the sweetest memories for me and the Tingang Madang dance crew.

“We’re very thankful to the organising committee — Lembaga Baram Sape Master — especially the chairman Datuk Lihan Jok, and the ad    Temenggung Elizabeth Deng, for helping us realise our dream to perform overseas,” Connie added.

 

Tingang Madang longdancers in their traditional attires.

Good exposures

Describing the opportunities given as good exposures for the troupe, Connie hoped they would get to perform more abroad to carve a name for Orang Ulu longdance internationally.

Though busy fulfilling requests and invitations, Tingang Madang members never forget their main objective — to preserve the uniqueness of longdance and ensure its continuity.

Towards this end, Connie has taken the initiative to train and guide women and anyone in interested in learning the longdance.

“I had organised longdance classes in the past based on request — and we are still open to request. I hope the younger generation, especially from the Kayan community, will never forget this tradition of ours. It’s our identity.”

According to her, all the Tingang Madang dancers are married and above 40.

“I believe there are many from the younger generation who can perform traditional dances but don’t stand out because they are shy, busy studying or working and have no time.

“I hope parents will continue to encourage their children to get to know and appreciate their culture,” she said.

Tingang Madang with Baram Sape Master at Tuke Hall, Regent’s University Inner Circle, London.