AbstractMain Zapin, a Malay folk dance form with deep cultural roots, embodied a multifaceted tradition interwoven with rich cultural, social, and historical dimensions. This research employed a constructivist grounded theory approach to explore the interconnected elements within Main Zapin: (a) adaptive competence, (b) value-oriented conduct, (c) constructive components, and (d) characteristics establishment, constituting the core of this dance tradition. The research objective was to delve into the concept of _Main_ in zapin-making practices, as practiced by Zapin Melayu (Malay Zapin) performers in Johor, within its traditional choreographic context of production. This exploration sought to conceptualize and evaluate the _Theory of Permainan Tari,_ revealing the intricate interplay between value-oriented conduct, adaptive competence, constructive elements, and characteristics establishment in Main Zapin performances. The research methodology encompassed a constructivist grounded theory appro.....