Traditional Thai Dance at ‘Friends of Thavorn’ Prize Draw Party

To continue the celebrations of the 50th Anniversary of Thavorn Hotels & Resorts and to see the launch of our latest promotion ‘ Friends of Thavorn ‘ on the 1st March 2011 we held the first “Friends of Thavorn Prize draw Reception” at Thavorn Palm Beach & Resort (TPB).

The prize draw saw over 30 lucky prizewinners, each wining 5 nights stay at one of our three properties ( Thavorn Beach Village Resort & Spa, Thavorn Palm Beach, Thavorn Grand Plaza).   

What a party it was, with guests enjoying a spread of authentic Thai cuisine and entertainment of traditional Thai music and dance.  In following with the Thavorn concept of where ‘Thai tradition meets nature’ we always like to take the opportunity to introduce and share with our guests aspects of Thai culture, after all this is ‘Amazing Thailand’. So, during the evening there were several sets of Thai dance performances which included: 
 
Rabam Chon Kai / Cockfighting Dance
The Cockfighting dance dates back to ancient times, and emulates the tradition of cockfighting in Thailand which is a popular past time where locals pla ce bets on the winning cock. The performance is composed of colourfully dressed dancers as cocks who skillfully and quite convincingly imitate cocks fighting each other. The performance is really quite unique and comical, always drawing smiles and cheers from the crowd. 
Isan Cock Fighting Dance

Isan Cock Fighting Dance

 
Hanuman Jap Nang Benyakai / The Pursuit of Benyakai
This dance tells the story of one chapter from the famous ‘Ramakien’ epic, the Thai version of the Hindu epic ‘Ramayana’ written over 2,000 years ago about the reincarnation of the Hindu God ‘Vishnu’. The Thai version was written during the reign of King Rama I, and can also be seen in the large murals of the Emerald Buddha temple in Bangkok.

The ‘Ramayana’ was introduced throughout South East Asia during the Indianization of the region, which can explain why many countries in the area including Thailand, Indonesia and Cambodia show Hindu influences in their dance, architecture, arts and so forth. 

The performance shows Hanuman’s (the king-god of the apes) pursuit of Benyakai’s (a demoness) love. The costumes are elaborately gold and colourful, movements are swift and harmonious with a delicate tone and gesture.

 Serng Krapo (Coconut Dance)

‘Krapo’ is the word for coconut in the Northeastern dialect. The dance shows the activities of a group of young girls from the Isan province in North-eastern Thailand. The dancers hold two coconut shells, shaking them, tossing them or tapping them lightly. This dance is often accompanied by the sound of the ‘ Pong lang ‘, a traditional Thai instrument that looks like an upright xylophone, made of strips of wood.

The dancers wear traditional Thai costume, for the women a tight-fitting open necked blouse and breast cloth and lower garments called ‘Jongkraben’, swept-back hair with flower decoration and other accessories. The men wear a short-sleeved silk shirt with a breast cloth and ‘Jongkraben’.

Stay posted, for details of my favourite part of the night  – the delicious authentic Thai food!

Gadis Wijaya ^^ (Marketing Mgt Trainee)

Ramakien Thai Dance

Ramakien Thai Dance

Coconut Dance from Isan - Serng Krapao

Coconut Dance from Isan - Serng Krapao

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categories Miscellaneous | admin March 7, 2011

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