Ornamental accessories, golden tapering headdresses, glamorous vibrant costumes and the graceful movement of a group of performers define the attributes of Thai traditional dancing.
There are 2 main types of Thai dances, namely Classical Dance and Folk Dance. A sub genre encompasses all regional dances performed for various seasons and festivals originating from the regions North, Northeast, South and Central. Most of the traditional dances are based on epics and folklore. Hence they are called dance dramas and are performed usually by a group of dancers. These dancers fascinatingly mime to the chorus harmonised from backstage.
Classical dance forms still retain their original splendour since they are strictly traditional and not innovative. Incorporating 108 basic movements, the dancers need to perform while keeping their upper body upright. They can use their knees to bend and stretch, synchronizing with the traditional music. The hand and finger movements are complex yet alluring and together with ornate costumes dazzling under the spotlights, their performances become truly spellbinding.
The highest form of Classical dance drama of Thailand is called Khon. This regal performance is presented by dancers dressed in multicoloured handworked costumes wearing ornamental gold headdresses and masks. Khon dance drama is based on the Ramakien, a Thai national story derived from the famous Indian epic Ramayana. These were written and revised during the era of the Thai kings Rama I and Rama II.
The next high form of classical dance style Lakhon is mainly performed by female dancers and they are based on folklore as well as Jataka tales, and the Indian literature encompassing the previous births of the Buddha.
Likay, Ram Muay and Wai Khru are some of the folk dance styles of Thailand. These styles are characterised by comedy and subtle performances, where costumes can be either contemporary or traditional. The popular Muay Thai, a type of Thai martial arts, is derived from Ram Muay dance style. Some of these folk dances have evolved with time and are influenced and enriched by different cultures and dance forms.
During ancient times classical dance forms were held for the prestiged and esteemed echelons of Thai Society. This has evolved to all cross sections of Society, and travellers and locals alike can enjoy a variety of cultural presentations through the ample number of theatres across Bangkok and citywide offering such shows. Travellers can find comfortable Bangkok hotel accommodation by staying at the Bangkok President Solitaire, an ideal and well reputed Bangkok Sukhumvit hotel.
