It was quiet for a moment when four male dancers lined up to bow to a gambus (lute) player. While plucking the strings of the instrument, he intonated Arabic verses. Eastern styled music pervaded the air, with the dancers' foot stomps and hand movements flowing like sea waves. Before starting the Zapin dance, performers must show respect to their teacher, who generally plays this musical instrument, said Budianto, 38, a Zapin dance instructor in L