The status of traditional Thai dance, preservation and innovation

Abstract

Dance is one of the major forms of Thai cultural expression. Situated in the middle of Southeast Asia, Thailand has been deeply influenced by different cultures which resulted in a variety of dance forms. Generally speaking, there are four main forms of dance each of northern, which prevails in each region of the country namely central, northeastern, and southern. Among these dance forms, those of the central region was developed by the royal court to the highest standards of refinement and sophistication. Dance and dance music of each region very few developed within its socio-cultural context for centuries with interchanges among them. Thus regional styles differ from each other and reflect very strong regional identity. However, dance of the central region, where the seat of social and political power is located, tends to influence other dance forms.