Liam Lee The traditional dances of Thailand are known for their elegance and grace, and they can take many various forms. In this article, we will discuss the history of traditional Thai dance and its fundamentals, including the various forms of dance, costumes, and more.
History
The beautiful body motions of traditional Thai dance are performed to the accompaniment of ornate musical instruments and clothing. The six distinct types of Thai dance performed today are the khon, li-khe, ram wong, shadow puppetry, lakhon lek, and lakhon. The performers’ costumes are one of the most recognisable characteristics of this traditional art form from Thailand. Even if there has been a progressive erosion in the quality of the designs since the game was first introduced several centuries ago, the sets are still impressive and intricate. In its production, gold and silver sequins and even strange embellishments like beetle wings have been included into the design at various points.
Khon
Khon is a traditional form of masked dance that is performed in Thailand. It used to be reserved only for members of the royal family to watch. Although it is not performed at the royal court anymore, it is still one of the highest forms of art in Thailand and is regarded to be one of the most important. The epic Ramakien from Thailand, which is the Thai adaptation of the Ramayana from India, is the source material for these performances. The majority of the dancers are guys, and they take on a variety of roles, including those of men, ladies, devils, and monkeys, respectively. Along with the use of masks, these performances are typically accompanied by narrators and a Thai piphat orchestra, which is typically comprised of percussion and wind instruments.
Li-khe
In Thailand, the form of dance known as li-khe is by far the most common. During the course of a performance, these types of shows incorporate a wide variety of components, ranging from over-the-top costumes and comedic antics to sexual innuendo and slapstick. It is designed to be entertaining and interactive, and it is particularly well-liked in the rural areas of Thailand.
Ramwong
One of the most well-known styles of Thai dance is called ram wong, which literally translates to “dancing in a circle.” It is a traditional dance from Thailand, and as the name suggests, it is performed by men and women forming pairs and dancing in a circle. This is one of the six types of dance that is best suited for social occasions because of its calm and beautiful motions.
Shadow Puppetry
These kinds of performances are increasingly difficult to find in Thailand. Shadow puppetry, also known as nang thalung, is a specialized type of Thai dance considered one of the country’s oldest art forms. The art of shadow puppetry is performed behind a white sheet, and one person is responsible for controlling the puppet. Typically, music is played in the background to assist create a tale. The puppets that are utilized are created from cow skins that have been meticulously carved and are then painted when the design has been finished.
Lakhon Lek
The other type of Thai dance is called lakhon lek, and it incorporates puppets and other props into the performance. Even though this particular kind of art isn’t done very often anymore, it used to be a highly well-liked source of entertainment. These puppets, in contrast to shadow puppets, actually have individuals performing with them during the presentation. Those who perform with puppets typically stand around one and a half to two feet tall, and it is their job to bring the puppets to life. Puppets are capable of performing a wide range of activities, including singing, dancing, and more.
Lakhon
Lakhon is a type of Thai dance that is predominantly performed by female dancers, in contrast to the Kohn style. The women collaborate with one another and give their performance as a group rather than taking on separate roles in the performance. Acting, singing, and of course, dancing are all a part of these shows, and they each tell their own unique story. Lakhon is distinguished from other types of Thai dance by the extravagant costumes and stage settings that are used. During a performance, the top half of the body, which is characterized by fluid and dynamic hand gestures, moves less frequently than the lower half of the body does.
