Long Song Natadontree: Creative Dance of Long Song from Thai Classical Dance-Drama to Likay

Abstract

The idea for the research study for this article came from likay performances where the performers wear elaborate costumes mimicking the style of dance-drama. The plot is taken from the story of Phra Aphai Mani, the scene of the Battle of the Nine Armies and Phaluek City. There is a
dance sequence for Phra Aphai Mani before going out to fight with the nine armies of Langka. The style of the performance is Likay Song Krueang (Thai traditional operetta with elaborate costumes). The lyrics describe
the typical likay costume elements and accessories. The performance can be divided into four parts: (1) the entrance on to the stage; (2) the introduction of the character and narration of the background story; (3) bathing and donning
of the costume; and (4) the dance while exiting the stage. The choreographyis based on the principles of combining two forms of dance, which is the application of the bathing ritual dance sequences in a dance performance that includes the principal dance sequence (tha ram lak), the extension dance sequence (tha ram khayai), the linking dance sequence (tha cheuam) and the dance sequence suffix in music (tha rub), as well as foot work and
the insertion of likay dance movements. Therefore, the performance of this grooming ritual with music and dance has the dance form of a dance-drama combined with the dance movements of likay. This is a creative style that
conveys the idea of other types of creative performances.