A. The Tari Piring ( Plate Dance)
Tari Piring or Plate Dance reflects the life of traditional Minangkabau community at the time of working in the ricefield. The dance begins with the initial work in the field and proceeds to the final process until harvested rice is taken home. The dance also expresses happiness of the farmers as well as their thanks to the God for the very successful harvest. The final stage of the dance is played on broken glasses by a young lady dancer, bare footed. This fact should not interpreted as magic work, as many people think, but it religiously signals the acceptance of dancer's pray by God.
B. The Tari Payung ( Umbrella Dance )
Tari Payung describe the way of life of Minangkabau people who always protect each other. It also reflects this happy situation, and is accompanied with the song called 'babendi-bendi' ( go by bendi ) which may be sung vocally or instrumentally.
C. Welcome Dance
It is a tradition in Minangkabau to welcome honorable guest or to open a traditional events by presenting 'Sirih Leaves' in a special container called a "Carano". It symbolises a request to allow the ceremony to take place and ask a blessing from the guest as the activities begin. It is performed in a special dance called "Tari Pasambahan" or "Welcome Dance".
