The Leelanartaka Dance

Abstract

The Leelanartaka Dance was choreographed based on traditional arts of shadow play (Nang Talung) in the South of Thailand. Firstly, all significant elements of the Southern Thai shadow plays were studied before creating this new dance. Secondly key unique characteristics of the shadow play, for instance puppeteer, puppets and various types of verses, were taken as symbolically representing those traditional styles and then combined them with modern ideas to create new dance patterns, accompanying music and costumes. Finally, the audiences’ impression evaluation survey of the new dance was conducted. The steps found while creating the Choreography of Leelanartaka Dance suggested that in any choreography of dances, at least two integrating arts. Choreographers needed imagination to design what steps and styles should include into the new dance patterns from the beginning to the end which should still representing traditional styles of the arts as intended to symbolize. Besides, methods to combine various traditional types of music; to be the best suit with the new accompanying music and the appropriate costumes for the movement created, were also very important factors of choreographers to be concerned. Moreover, the consequence of choreographers’ imagination would not be practical and professional without integrating the knowledge of performing arts. In addition, with the fast tree flow of globalization these days in which national culture, value and identity become issues of highly concerned, choreographers are also expected to be aware of these affecting factors whenever new dances are going to be created.