Dance in Thailand

Main dramatic art form in Thailand

Dancers in traditional costumes perform a courtship dance.

Dance in Thailand (Thai: นาฏศิลป์, pronounced [nâat.dtà.sǐn] or Thai: นาฏกรรม, pronounced [nâat.dtà.kam]) is the main dramatic art form in Thailand. Thai dance can be divided into two major categories, high art (classical dance) and low art (folk dance).

## Etymology

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The Dance in Thailand designated in Thai term, Natasin (Thai: นาฏศิลป์) means "Art of the classical Thai dance, art of drama." and the term, Natakam (Thai: นาฏกรรม) means "Poetry, music drama and dance." according to The Thai Official Dictionary of Royal Institute 2545 BE. Both terms derived from Sanskrit word namely the word, Nata (Sanskrit: नाट, romanized: naṭa) means "Dancing, acting, a dance.", the word, Sin (Sanskrit: शिल्प, romanized: śilpa) means "Artistic work." and the word, Kam (Sanskrit: कर्म, romanized: karma), respectively.[1]

The term dance in Thai language are variant in each region of Thailand also known as the Dance of the Four Regions namely,

* Northern Thailand. The term, Fon (Thai: ฟ้อน) in Tai languages,[2] adopted since Sukhothai period for Lannathai Traditional Dance e.g. Fon Khan Dok. The term found in stone inscription, stone engraving and book of Tribbumikatha Buddhist Cosmology (Trai Phum Phra Ruang) composed in 1321 AD by King Maha Thammaracha I.[3]
* Upper Northeastern Thailand. The term Fon and Soeng (Thai: เซิ้ง), meaning of "Dance" in Tai languages,[2] adopted for Isan Traditional Dance e.g. Fon Oen Khwan, Soeng Bang Fai, etc.
* Lower Northeastern Thailand. The term, Rueam (Thai: เรือม) derived with its intonation from Old Khmer word,[4] rapam (Khmer: របាំ, romanized: rapaṃ) meaning of "Dance". The term adopted in lower part of northeastern Thailand for Thai-Khmer Loeu Traditional Dance e.g. Rueam Kan Truem.
* Central Thailand and Upper Southern Thailand. There are three terms include Ram, Rabam (Thai: รำ, ระบำ) and Ten (Thai: เต้น).[5]: 29 The term Ram, Rabam are generic term for all kinds of Thai dances, which derived from Old Khmer words,[6][7] Ram, Rapam (Khmer: រាំ, របាំ, romanized: raṃ, rapaṃ) and the term, Ten in Tai languages, respectively. When the term Ten and Ram combined into Tenram, it means "Ballroom dance".[2] These terms adopted simultaneously since 1321 AD in reign of King Maha Thammaracha I same as the term Fon. The adoption of three terms are various Thai Traditional Dance e.g. Ram Baht Sakunee, Ten Kam Ram Kiew, etc.[8]
* Lower Southern Thailand. The Thai term, Taree (Thai: ตารี) borrowed from Melayu word, Tari[9] and being adopted specifically for Thai-Malays Traditional Dance e.g. Taree Kipas Dance Thai version.[10]

The term drama in Thai word such as, Khon which is derived from Tamil word, Kon[11] (Tamil: கோன், romanized: kōṉ)[12] means "King and god, a king, a ruler" as well as Bengali and Iranian word.[13] It is also to be identical with the term Kan, Khan or Khasan in Turko-Mongolian languages.[14] The Thai term Khon is adopted particularly for the Ramakien Thai version from the Indian epic Ramayana.

The Thai term, Lakon (alternative spelled, lakorn, lakhon) is derived from Javanese word, Lakon[5] (Javanese: ꦭꦏꦺꦴꦤ꧀), a derivation of lakuan, lagon and laku[15] which means "to walk, to act, to run". However, Prince Damrong Rajanubhab hypothesized that Thai term Lakon is derived from the name of Nakhon Si Thammarat, connected to Javanese culture since Ayutthaya period where the dance and drama was originated.[5]: 20

## Overview

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According to Surapone Virulrak, Thai performance art took shape during the Ayutthaya period. At this time, Chak nak Dukdamban, a "ceremony depicting the churning of the ocean to create the immortal spirit", was performed on special occasions.[16] This ceremony drew from the Indian epic of the Mahābhārata. Virulrak states, "These performing arts were gradually developed into Khon (masked play), lakhon nok (public dance drama) and lakhon nai (court dance drama) during the Late Ayutthaya Period (1456-1767)", adding, "this period also enjoyed various imported performing arts from neighbouring countries."[17] According to Paul Cravath, this ceremony performed by Khmer dancers is also depicted in bas-reliefs at Angkor Wat in Cambodia and could have been the forefather of Khon.[18]

Aside from folk and regional dances (such as southern Thailand's Indian-influenced Manora dance), the two major forms of Thai classical dance drama are Khon and lakhon nai. In the beginning, both were exclusively court entertainments and it was not until much later that a popular style of dance theatre, likay, evolved as a diversion for the common folk who had no access to royal performances.[citation needed]

## Classical dance drama

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Portrait of Siamese actor and actress in Siamese Literature and Art, illustrated in 1870 by Anna H. Leonowens in the reign of King Rama V from the book, The English Governess at the Siamese Court (1873).[19] The portrait sketched from the photograph taken by Francis Chit.

The first detailed European record of Khon and other Thai classical dances was made during the Ayutthaya Kingdom. The tradition and styles employed are almost identical to the Thai traditions we still see today. Historical evidence establishes that the Thai art of stage plays was already perfected by the 17th-century. Louis XIV, the Sun King of France, had a formal diplomatic relation with Ayutthaya's King Narai. In 1687, France sent the diplomat Simon de la Loubère to record all that he saw in the Siamese Kingdom and its traditions. In his famous account Du Royaume de Siam, La Loubère carefully observed the classic 17th-century theatre of Siam, including an epic battle scene from a Khon performance, and recorded what he saw in great detail:[20]: 49

> The Siamese have three sorts of Stage Plays: That which they call Cone [Khon] is a figure dance, to the sound of the violin and some other instruments. The dancers are masked and armed and represent rather combat than a dance. And though everyone runs into high motions, and extravagant postures, they cease not continually to intermix some word. Most of their masks are hideous and represent either monstrous Beasts or kinds of Devils. The Show which they call Lacone is a poem intermix with Epic and Dramatic, which lasts three days, from eight in the morning till seven at night. They are histories in verse, serious, and sung by several actors always present, and which do only sing reciprocally.... The Rabam is a double dance of men and women, which is not martial, but gallant ... they can perform it without much tyring themselves, because their way of dancing is a simple march round, very slow, and without any high motion; but with a great many slow contortions of the body and arms.

Of the attires of Siamese Khon dancers, La Loubère recorded that: "[T]hose that dance in Rabam, and Cone, have gilded high and pointed. It was introduced by Persian Lombok hat in King Naraya reign. but which hang down at the sides below their ears, which are adorned with counterfeit stones, and with two pendants of gilded wood."[20]: 49

La Loubère also observed the existence of muay Thai and muay Lao, noting that they looked similar (i.e., using both fists and elbows to fight), but the hand-wrapping techniques were different.[20]: 49

Khon performance Rabam farang khu dance

The accomplishment and influence of Thai art and culture, developed during the Ayutthaya Period, on neighboring countries was evident in the observation of Captain James Low a British scholar of Southeast Asia, during the early Rattanakosin Era:

> The Siamese have attained to a considerable degree of perfection in dramatic exhibitions — and are in this respect envied by their neighbours the Burmans, Laos, and Cambojans who all employ Siamese actors when they can be got.[21]

### Lakhon

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A Lakhon Chatri dance excerpt from the story of Manohara

Main articles: Lakhon nai, Lakhon chatri, and Lakhon nok

Lakhon features a wider range of stories than Khon, including folk tales and Jataka stories. Dancers are usually female who play both male and female roles and perform as a group rather than representing individual characters. Lakhon draws inspiration primarily from the Ramakien (Thai adaptation of Hindu epic Ramayana). Percussion instruments and piphat, a type of woodwind, accompany the dance.[22] Thai literature and drama draw great inspiration from Indian arts and legends.

### Khon

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Main article: Khon

Khon is the most stylized form of Thai dance. It is performed by troupes of non-speaking dancers, the story being told by a chorus at the side of the stage. Choreography follows traditional models rather than attempting to innovate. Most Khon performances feature episodes from the Ramakien. Costumes are dictated by tradition, with angels, both good and bad, wearing colored masks.

### Fon

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Fon (Thai: ฟ้อน; RTGS: fon) is a form of folk dance accompanied by the folk music of the region. The first fon originated in the northern region of Thailand. It was designed and taught by Chao Dararasami of Chiang Mai. Since then, a variety of fon came into practice, featuring the music and style of each province, such as the fon lep (Thai: ฟ้อนเล็บ; RTGS: fon lep) fingernail dance from Chiang Mai and the fon ngiew from Chiang Rai, which was influenced by Burmese music and costume.[citation needed]

Fon is divided into three types:

* Fon lep (fingernail dance): A northern Thai dance style. Each dancer wears six-inch-long brass fingernails. The long fingernails accentuate the finger movement of each dancer. Dancers wear their hair in a chignon-style with a yellow jasmine flower tiara.
* Fon tian (candle dance): A performance consists of eight dancers, each carrying candles. Dancers are in pairs, one pair to each side. They wear full-length sarongs and jackets with a matching shoulder cloth. This dance is always held at night.
* Fon ngiew (scarf dance): A dance performed at a happy event. The dance is similar to the fon lep but the dance is faster and more fun. Each dancer wears a yellow flower tiara, jong kra bane, and sabai.

## Connections between Thai classical dance and the neighbouring countries

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### Myanmar

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The two golden periods of Burmese literature were the direct consequences of the Thai literary influence. The first transmission happened during the two-decade period (1564–83), in which the Toungoo Dynasty briefly managed to subject Siam as its vassal state. This conquest incorporated many Thai elements into Burmese literature. the most evident ones were the yadu or yatu (ရာတု), an emotional and philosophic verse and the yagan (ရာကန်) genre. The next transmission of Thai literary influence to Burma happened in the aftermath of the fall of Ayutthaya Kingdom in 1767. After the second conquest of Ayutthaya (Thailand), many Siamese royal dancers and poets were brought back to the court of Konbaung. Ramakien, the Thai version of Ramayana (ရာမယန), was introduced and was adapted in Burmese where it is now called Yama Zatdaw. Burmese literature during this period was therefore modelled after the Ramayana, and dramatic plays were patronised by the Burmese court.[23]

### Cambodia

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The influence of Thai classical dance on Cambodia is disputed. While some believe that Thai classical dance influenced Khmer classical dance, others argue that it is the other way around.

Following the collapse of the Khmer Empire in the 15th century, Cambodian dance and music incorporated influence from Thailand and Vietnam.[24] The earliest mention of Classical Cambodia dance appeared in the 17th century CE in a Sanskrit inscription.[25] In the Khmer empire (802–1431 AD), their court performers style was very sensual during Khmer rule, complete with swinging hips and bare breasts.[26]

In 19th century, the Khmer court dance began to be restored by Thai dancers and, under the patronage of King Ang Duong, who came to the throne in 1841, retaining many of Thai-acquired elements more elaborate and heavy costumes than had been traditional Khmer court dance.[27]

On July 25, 2008. H.R.H. Princess Norodom Buppha Devi said of Khmer classical dance influenced a lot of by Thai court:-

> From the period of Oudong with King Ang Duong to the period of Chatomuk with Kings Norodom and Sisowath, there was a lot of Thai influence because we lacked teachers. Thai masters came to the Khmer court, while Khmer masters sometimes went to the Thai court. This period was a cultural exchange the Thai and Khmer courts. It was a real mixture![28]

> — Norodom Buppha Devi (Interviewed by Suppya NUT on July 25, 2008 at Lim Sylvain's house), Khmer Dance Project, The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. (2008–2010).

One of the earliest written records of sacred dance in Cambodia dates back to the 7th century, a period during which performances were an integral part of funeral rites for the kings.[29] Throughout the 20th century, the use of temple dancers was still widespread in funeral processions, such as that of King Sisowath Monivong. The tradition of temple dancers declined in Cambodia during the 15th century when the Siamese kingdom of Ayutthaya invaded Angkor. When Angkor fell, its artisans, Brahmins, and dancers were taken by force to Ayutthaya leading possibly to the introduction of Khmer dances in Thailand.[30] While Thai, Lao and Khmer classical dances share a common style, unlike in Thailand it is acknowledged in Laos that this style has its origins in Cambodia. According to Lao legends surrounding the first ruler of Lan Xang, it is said that in addition to a large army of Khmer soldiers, the King was accompanied by numerous female dancers from the court of Angkor.[31] Thai scholar Uraisi Varasarin has identified many Khmer words borrowed into Thai, particularly in areas related to classical dance. Khmer words integrated into Thai, such as phleng เพลง (music), len เล่น (play), rabam ระบำ (dance) serve as indicators of the incorporation of Khmer artistic traditions and performance conventions. Likewise, the inclusion of Khmer names for musical instruments used in Thai dances such as khluy ขลุ่ย, ranat ระนาด, pi ปี่, chhab ฉาบ, and chhing ฉิ่ง and terms like dom โดน (hit), changwak จังหวะ (rhythm), and chaleang จำเรียง (sing) further suggest the integration of Khmer performance techniques into Thai culture. The Thai vocabulary related to the costumes worn by dancers also features a significant amount of Khmer vocabulary. Examples include sabai สไบ (Khmer: sbai, shawl-like top), krabin กระเบน (Khmer: khbin, style of lower body wraparound cloth), sangwan สังวาลย์ (Khmer: sangvar, decorative chain), kahbangna (Khmer: khbamng), kancheak (Khmer: tracheak, the elven pieces framing the ears) and kravin (Khmer: kravil, earrings). These terms directly indicate the adoption of Khmer jewellery and textile objects within Thai dancing practices.[32][33]

Dr. Jukka O. Miettinen from the Theatre Academy Helsinki notes:

> Cambodia was the first place in mainland Southeast Asia where Ramayana was known. It was known in Sanskrit. Many extant reliefs depict scenes from the epic. Dance probably held a central position in Khmer court and temple ceremonies. An indication of this is the fact that the royal palace at Angkor contained a large dance hall and that the temple at Ta Prom housed a troupe of no fewer than 615 dance girls. […] In the 15th century, the Thais conquered part of the western territories of the weakened Khmer empire. As a result, Angkor was abandoned as a capital. The Thais had transported a part of the Khmer court and dancers to Ayutthaya and adopted Khmer dance tradition, although they developed it in their own manner during the succeeding centuries.The result is present day Thai dance, based on adaptations from Cambodia during the 18th and 19th centuries.[34]

Nevertheless, in Thailand, the main theory suggests the contrary. For instance, Fédéric Maurel, a French historian working for Prince of Songkla University (Thailand) notes:

> From the close of the eighteenth century and through the nineteenth century, a number of Khmer pages, classical women dancers, and musicians studied with Thai Ajarn (masters or teachers) in Cambodia. The presence of these Thai elite in Cambodia contributed to the development of strong Thai cultural influence among the Khmer upper classes. Moreover, some members of the Khmer royal family went to the Thai court and developed close relations with well-educated Thai nobility, as well as several court poets. Such cultural links were so powerful that, in some fields, one might use the term Siamization in referring to the processes of cultural absorption at the Khmer court at that time.[35]

The Nirat or Siamese tradition of parting poetry was emulated by Khmer poets, and many Thai stories, such as Ka Kee, were translated from the Siamese source into the Khmer language.[36] One Thai study on comparative literature argues that Cambodia's current version of Ramayana (Reamker) was translated directly from the Thai source, almost stanza by stanza.[37] The Cambodian royal court used to stage Thai lakhon dramas in the Thai language during King Norodom of Cambodia's reign.[38]

## Folk dance

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Folk dance forms include dance theater forms like likay, numerous regional dances (ram), the ritual dance ram muay, and homage to the teacher, wai khru. Both ram muay and wai khru take place before all traditional muay Thai matches. The wai is also an annual ceremony performed by Thai classical dance groups to honor their artistic ancestors.[citation needed]

* Ram wong (Thai: รำวง) borrowed from the Khmer word រាំវង់ (IPA: [rŏəm ʋŏəŋ]). In Khmer, the word consists of two separate native Khmer morphemes រាំ (rom: "dance") and វង់ (vong: "circle") [39][40] reflecting the characteristics of the dance: a type of partner dance in a circle.
* Ram muay (Thai: รำมวย) is the ritualized dance that takes place before Southeast Asian kickboxing matches such as muay Thai.
* Wai khru (Thai: ไหว้ครู) Wai khru ram muay is a ritualized form of dance meant to pay respect to or homage to the khru, or teacher. It is performed annually by Thai classical dance institutions as well as before muay Thai matches.

## Regional dances

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### Central Thailand

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* Ram si nuan (Thai: รำศรีนวล): A typical dance of central Thailand. Its great popularity is due to the choreography and the sweetness of the music that accompanies it. The lyrics and music evoke the sweet nature of Thai girls. The dance is also an expression of the yearning of a young man won over by such great charm.[citation needed]
* Ram thoet thoeng (Thai: รำเถิดเทิง, 'drum dance'): The teut-teung drum, an instrument used in Thai folk music, is played throughout the country to accompany the parades held at traditional festivals. It is said that the modern style of the teut-teung dance was created by some music teachers.[citation needed]
* Rabam chao na (Thai: ระบำชาวนา, 'farmers' dance'): This is a modern dance created by the Thai Ministry of Culture. The dancers wear the rice growers' traditional costume, and the dance itself enacts the daily activities of these workers who are the backbone of the nation. The ballet opens with the farmers as they come to plough and sow the fields. When they are sure that the rice is growing well, they gather together to pray to Mae Po Sop, the goddess who protects rice-growing. Lastly, the harvest is celebrated with songs and dancing.[citation needed]
* Ram krabi krabong (Thai: รำกระบี่กระบอง): These dances are inspired by types of combat that were typical of Thailand, in which either sticks or swords are used. The skillful use of the short stick depends on the agility of the fighter, who must attack and always remain close to his opponent, while the combatant who takes up the long stick must maintain a critical distance from his rival to use his weapon effectively. The art of sword fighting has been practiced in Thailand since the beginning of time, and, traditionally, a ceremonial dance is performed prior to combat.[citation needed]

* Central Thailand dances
* Thoet thoeng dance

* Krabi krabong practitioners

* Krabi krabong practitioners with Thai swords (daab)

### Northeast Thailand

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* Serng kratip khoa: This dance is performed during traditional celebrations. Usually, the word serng is added to the name of the domestic object used on stage by the dancers. In the case of the serng kratip, the dancers carry typical rice baskets, known as kratip. Their movements imitate those of the women who bring food to the men working in the fields. The choreography is accompanied by music with a lively rhythm. The instruments used are a long drum, charb (cymbals), grab (a kind of castanet), mong (gong), and the kahen (similar to an old-fashioned syringe).[citation needed]
* Serng Isan: This folk dance is generally performed at traditional festivals. The choreography is entrusted to the dancers, who wear brightly colored costumes and express all the joy of the celebration.[citation needed]
* Fon Phu Thai: This dance is part of a propitiatory ceremony performed by the Phu Thai tribe, who live in the northeast. The music that accompanies it is played on typical instruments like the gong ching (a tribal drum), along with other drums and pipes. The gong ching plays a fundamental part because it sets the rhythm for the dance.[citation needed]
* Serng krapo ('coconut dance'): Krapo is the word for 'coconut' in the Isan language. The dance illustrates the activities of a group of nubile girls from the southern part of the region, known as Isan. The dancers hold two coconut shells, with which they execute complex choreographic movements, shaking them, tossing them, or tapping them lightly. This dance is often accompanied by the sound of the pong lang, a kind of upright xylophone made of strips of wood arranged according to the musical scale.[citation needed]
* Isan bantheong ('the happiness of Isan'): This is a series of folk dances usually performed on festive occasions. The swift, harmonious movements are accompanied by folk songs associated with the northeast region.[citation needed]

* Northeast Thailand dances
* Dancers at a Yasothon festival

* A folk dance in the Rocket Festival parade in Yasothon

### Northern Thailand

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* Fon sao mai ('silk weaving dance'): Fon is a type of dance in northern and northeastern Thailand. It is performed in groups and has very slow, graceful, and almost meditative movements. Fon sao mai depicts a traditional profession of northern Thai women in silk weaving. The dance imitates different processes of silk-weaving. For generations, silk production is one of the top home industries in northern and northeastern Thailand and Laos.[citation needed]
* Dance of the Nantha-peri and Pu-cha drums: The nantha-peri is a drum characteristic of northern Thailand, which is used for two purposes: to spur on warriors prior to battle and to pay homage to the Buddha in religious ceremonies. The pu-che, on the other hand, is a type of drum used by the tribes that live in the north: the Tay Yai, the Tai Lue and the Tay Yan. It is used to accompany various dances including, the sword dance, and the kai lai and king ka lai dances.[citation needed]
* Sword Dance: This dance is inspired by an ancient martial art that requires tremendous courage and strength and excellent reflexes. The dancers balance a number of swords on different parts of their bodies while fighting off their rival with a sword sheath.[citation needed]
* Ka-lai dance: Beginners learn to execute graceful and balanced movements through the choreography of this dance.[citation needed]
* King-ka-la dance: The hand movements and steps of the female dancers, who wear spectacular fan-shaped costumes, evoke the movements of a bird.[citation needed]
* The Sounds of the Mountains: The music that accompanies this dance is played on wind instruments characteristic of three tribes in North Thailand: the pi hom (a gourd pipe) of the Tai Lue, the pi joom of the Tay Yuan and the kan nam tao (a gourd flute) of the Li Saw.[citation needed]
* Candle Dance: Typical of the Thai Kheun tribe, this dance is performed in honor of the Buddha. The female dancers pay homage to the divinities that protect the eight cardinal points of the Earth, asking them to pass through the candlelight in homage to the Buddha.[citation needed]
* Khan Dok Dance: The striking choreography of this dance of blessing expresses the calm, serene temperament of the northern peoples.[citation needed]
* Choeng Tua Auk-son Dance: This dance, performed in the Buddha's honor, is characterized by a complex choreography inspired by the calligraphy of the ancient alphabets of the northern regions and by the movements used in martial arts.[citation needed]
* The Sounds of Lanna, the Ancient Kingdom of the North: This music is played on two instruments typical of this region. The phin-phia is a stringed instrument whose body is made from a coconut shell. When he plays it, the musician rests the shell on his bare chest, then moves it or presses it to achieve the desired tonality. In the past, the phin-phia was the instrument used by youths to court the maidens of their village. Few musicians still play it. The sueng is a stringed instrument made of teak or hardwood. It is played by plucking the two metal or brass strings with a horn plectrum.[citation needed]

* Northern Thailand dances
* A dancer in Chiang Mai

* Thai dancers in Laplae wearing Khmer-style dresses and crowns

### Southern Thailand

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* Nora: Nora is a traditional dance of southern Thailand (called the Chatri in southern Thai ). Its origins lie in various legends, which there are different versions of. The choreography of Nora varies from region to region, but it is generally composed of 12 positions and 17 movements.[citation needed]
* Nora tua oon: This more refined version of Nora often requires greater interpretive skills and experience. Nora tua oon is often studied from a very young age so that the body can achieve the flexibility necessary to execute the dance's complicated movements. Female Nora tua oon dancers follow a demanding exercise regime and strict discipline.[citation needed]
* Ram taeng kae: Ram taeng kae is an elaborate Nora dance that requires great interpretative skills. In the dance, the protagonist launches a harpoon at a crocodile, whose back, lit by candles, is made from the trunk of a banyan tree. A female dancer moves around the writhing crocodile, poised to pierce its head at the right moment.[citation needed]
* Ram Nora son ram: This dance consists of a basic posture, which is executed by concentrating on hand, arm, and shoulder movements, as well as on the equilibrium and movement of various parts of the body. Ram Nora son ram is accompanied by long lyrics.[citation needed]
* Ram kien pral / yieb louk manao / ram ko soet: This advanced level of Nora is usually performed during competitions between two groups of dancers. To intimidate the rival group, a male dancer strikes an effigy. In the yieb louk manao version, the female protagonist stamps on three lemons, symbolizing the hearts of the rivals. The dance is performed as a sign of victory. Afterward, the female protagonist asks the pran, a comical hunter, to give her a headdress as a symbol of her victory. This is a ceremonial ritual carried out to dishonor rivals and to encourage the members of the group. The dance is characterized by a certain sacredness.[citation needed]
* Ram Nora bot pratom: The choreography of ram Nora bot pratom uses a basic posture in which hand, arm, and shoulder movements are synchronized with head movements.[citation needed]
* Ram ooak pran: In a Nora performance company, the pran, or hunter, plays the part of the fool. He usually wears a hunter's mask or headdress, and the movements are often amusing and designed to make the audience laugh. Each position is in harmony with the dynamic rhythm of the music.[citation needed]
* Ram Nora klong Hong: This advanced level of Nora is performed only on important occasions. The female protagonist plays the role of Hong or kinnaree, a legendary creature who is half woman and half bird. According to a celebrated Nora teacher, ram Nora klong Hong is partly based on the legend of Prasuton-Manora: the seven kinnaree play in the lake in the middle of a wood. Struck by their beauty and lightheartedness, pran Boon, the hunter, chases the maidens in an attempt to catch the youngest. The lively, harmonious movements perfectly evoke pran Boon's pursuit of the kinnaree as the youngest tries to escape.[citation needed]
* Ram Nora tam bot / ram ooak pran: In this dance, the hand movements evoke the beautiful scenery of Songkhla Province in South Thailand. The verses of the song are accompanied by a lively rhythm.[citation needed]
* Rabam Srivichai / rabam Sevichai: This is one of the so-called "Thai archaeological dances". It is a reinvented dance that represents the kingdom of Srivijaya, an 8th to 13th-century Buddhist maritime empire that encompassed present-day Indonesia, Malaysia, and south Thailand. The choreography and dance costumes are based on images carved as a bas-relief on the stupa of Borobudur in central Java and other artifacts of the Srivijaya period. The musical melody is composed in Javanese style, while its colors, black, red, and green, are characteristic of southern Thailand. The dance headdress is called a krabang naa. Some of the movements, poses, and stances are based on classical Javanese and Balinese dance traditions.[41]

* Southern Thailand dances
* Manora Dance

## See also

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* Dance of Cambodia
* Dance of Indonesia
* Balinese dance
* Javanese dance
* Sundanese dance

## References

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1. ^ Shimladka V. (2021). Desa kala Emerging Trends in Performing Arts and Indic Studies. Raleigh, NC: Lulu Publication. p. 54. ISBN 978-1-387-53795-2
2. ^ a b c The SEAMEO Project in Archaeology and Fine Arts, SPAFA Co-ordinating Unit. "The Status of Traditional Thai", SPAFA Digest: Journal of SEAMEO Project in Archaeology and Fine Arts (SPAFA), 1(1980):17–18.
3. ^ Sukhothai Provincial Cultural Office, The Fine Arts Department of Thailand. (1994). The Sukhothai Heritage มรดกสุโขทัย (in Thai). Sukhothai: Sukhothai Cultural Center. p. 125. ISBN 978-974-7-36501-6
* Cohen S. J., Dance Perspectives Foundation. (1998). International Encyclopedia of Dance Vol. 6. New York: Oxford University Press. p. 150.
4. ^ The Fine Arts Department of Thailand. (1999). Wipitasna วิพิธทัศนา (in Thai). Bangkok: Seven Printing Group. p. 84.
* Punnothok T., Research for Social Development Institute, Khon Kaen University. (1989). Thieo Isan. Bangkok: Phikanet. p. 50.
5. ^ a b c Mattani M. R., Higashi Y., Bunka A., and Senta K., Centre for East Asian Cultural Studies for UNESCO, Japan. (1993). Dance, Drama, and Theatre in Thailand; The Process of Development and Modernization. Tokyo: CEACS. ISBN 978-489-6-56107-4.
6. ^ ASEAN Committee on Culture and Information. (1998). ASEAN Dance Symposium: at the 4th ASEAN Dance Festival Singapore. Singapore: National Arts Council. p. 97.
* "raṃ ~ *ram ~ *rāṃ". Sealang.
7. ^ "rapaṃ ~ rapam ~ rpam". Sealang.
8. ^ Thailand's Cultural mission to Australia. (1970). The Royal Thai Ballet. Bangkok: Kurusapha Ladprao Press. p. 19.
9. ^ Mohd. Anis Md. Nor. (1993). Zapin, Folk Dance of the Malay World. New York: Oxford University Press. p. 72. ISBN 978-019-5-88598-9
* Santaella, M. A. (2023). Performing Arts and the Royal Courts of Southeast Asia Vol. I: Pusaka as Documented Heritage. Leiden, The Netherlands: Koninklijke Brill NV. p. 8. ISBN 978-900-4-68653-3 ISSN 2213-0527
10. ^ Ruangnarong P. (1984). On folklore of Muslims in Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat Provinces, southern Thailand สมบัติไทยมุสลิมภาคใต้การศึกษาคติชาวบ้านไทยมุสลิมจังหวัดปัตตานี ยะลา และนราธิวาส (in Thai). (2nd Ed.). Bangkok: Charoenwit Kanphim. p. 115.
11. ^ Phitthayalap Phrutthiyakon, Prince, Yupho D., and The Fine Arts Department of Thailand. (1989). The Khon. Bangkok: Promotion and Public Relations Sub-division. p. 7
* International Association of Tamil Research. (1968). Proceedings of the First International Conference Seminar of Tamil Studies Vol. I. Kuala Lumpur: International Association of Tamil Research. p. 90.
* Caldwell R., Wyatt J. L. and Pillai R. (1913). A Comparative Grammer of The Dravidian or South-Indian Family of Languages. London: Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubner & Co., Ltd. pp. 105, 619.
12. ^ "கோன்". Tamil Dictionary. University of Madras Lexicon. Retrieved on 25 May 2024.
13. ^ Chanthawit N. and Promporn Pramualratana. (1998). Thai Puppets & Khon Masks. (Translated by Promporn Pramualratana). Bangkok: River Books. p 16. ISBN 978-974-8-22523-4
14. ^ Caldwell R., Wyatt J. L. and Pillai R. (1913). A Comparative Grammer of The Dravidian or South-Indian Family of Languages. London: Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubner & Co., Ltd. pp. 105, 619.
15. ^ Scheltema J. F. (1912). Monumental Java: with Illustrations, and Vignettes after Drawings of Javanese Chandi Ornament by the Author. New Delhi: Asian Educational Services. p. 170. ISBN 812-060-222-6
16. ^ Virulrak, Surapone (September–December 1999). "Performing Arts during the Reign of King Rama IX". SPAFA. 9 (3): 6.
17. ^ Virulrak, Surapone (September–December 1999). "Performing Arts during the Reign of King Rama IX". SPAFA. 9 (3): 5.
18. ^ Cravath, Paul (1987). Earth in Flower: A Historical and Descriptive Study of the Classical Dance Drama of Cambodia. University Microfilms International. p. 126.
19. ^ Leonowens, A. H. (1873). "SIAMESE LITERATURE AND ART", The English Governess at the Siamese Court: Being Recollections of Six Years in the Royal Palace at Bangkok, Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1870 by, Fields, Osgood, & Co., in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. Boston: James R. Osgood and Company. p. 176. ISBN 978-059-8-61691-3
20. ^ a b c de La Loubère, Simon (1693). A New Historical Relation of the Kingdom of Siam. Translated by A.P. London: Printed by F. L. for Tho. Horne at the Royal Exchange, Francis Saunders at the New Exchange, and Tho. Bennet at the Half-Moon in St. Pauls Church-yard. Retrieved 16 October 2017.
21. ^ "James Low, On Siamese Literature" (PDF). 1839. p. 177.
22. ^ "Historical Ties India and Thailand".
23. ^ "Ramayana in Myanmar's Heart". Archived from the original on 29 October 2006. Retrieved 5 September 2006.
24. ^ Amrahs, H. (2023). "Chapter 23. Cambodia Dance and Music", Khmer Culture: A Cultural Exploration of Cambodia (eBook). n.p.: Mahesh Dutt Sharma.
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* Liu, S. (2016). "Cambodia", Routledge Handbook of Asian Theatre. Oxon: Routledge, imprint of the Taylor & Francis Group. p. 172. ISBN 978-131-7-27886-3
* Hinchey, J. (2018). "The Arts: Dance", Cambodia: Discover the Country, Culture and People. Frenchs Forest, NSW: Redback Publishing. p. 15. ISBN 978-192-5-63030-5
26. ^ Osnes, M. B., and Gill, S. (2001). "Lakon Kbach Boran: Cambodia", Acting An International Encyclopedia of Traditional Culture. Santa Barbara, CA: Bloomsbury Publishing. p. 188. ISBN 978-157-6-07804-4
27. ^ Whitaker, Donald P., et al. (1973). Area Handbook for the Khmer Republic (Cambodia). Research and writing were completed July 1972, prepared by Foreign Area Studies (FAS) of The American University. Washington D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office. LCCN 72-600290
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29. ^ Brandon 1967, p. 20
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31. ^ Ray, N. (2007). Vietnam, cambodia, laos and the greater mekong. Oakland, California: Lonely Planet Publishers.
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35. ^ Maurel, Frédéric (2002). "A Khmer "nirat", 'Travel in France during the Paris World Exhibition of 1900': influences from the Thai?". South East Asia Research. 10 (1): 99–112. doi:10.5367/000000002101297026. JSTOR 23749987. S2CID 146881782.
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41. ^ "A Thai Archaeological Dance". The World In Paper View. 28 January 2015.

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