During its early appearance, this dance that’s full of courtesy and gentleness originated from the palace, performed during festivities at the palace and among the nobles only. In due course this dance was brought out of the palace and performed to the public. During dancing the dancers sway their bodies and move their hands as well as heads parallel to the beating of the hand-held drum, the ‘rebana’. They dance while sitting down on their knees without standing up. The musicians beat the ‘rebana’ while chanting or singing religious songs.

A unique folk song genre, a synthetic art form, a form of ritual performance by not only artisans but also the entire fishing community. Bả trạo singing is usually held on the occasion of praying for fish and the Ong fish festival in early Spring. Performance forms include: male singing, guest singing, chanting, and speech. The content praises the merits of Ong fish, describes the optimism, solidarity and mutual assistance of fishermen in the process of making a hard living at sea. Bả trạo singing has a skillful combination of art, rituals, folk dance with folk singing and traditional music of coastal residents. Therefore, Bả trạo is easy to sing, easy to memorize, easy to listen to and easy to get into people's hearts.

This is the traditional dance of the Dusun Lotud ethnic group from the Tuaran district where it is also known as "Madsayau". The Sumayau is the main element of a special chanting ceremony or "Mengahau" as it is called in Dusun. It is not performed in ordinary celebrations. A "Monolian", an elderly female priestess who is also a ritual specialist, would lead the dance ceremony. It is a rule of the tradition that this role is held only by the descendents of the previous "Monolian". "Mengahau" is a big affair and is usually celebrated for 5 days and nights. The purpose of this ceremony is to venerate the "gusi-gusi" (a type of antique jars believed to possess spirits) by chanting ancient ritual verses. It is also conducted to honour dead family members, similar to the "kenduri arwah" (feast for the departed) commonly observed by the Muslim Malay community. As soon as the music starts, the dancers would sway towards the dance floor. Every movement of the hands would be in harmony with the rhythm of the music. However, the movement of the feet are slower as compared to the hands. One simply walks with very small steps in an unhurried manner. The pace of the dance increase with applause from the audience.