THAI FOLK DANCE
However, among the best known Thai folk dances is Fawn Thai which dance is accompanied by folk music from the northern region. Such dances include the Fawn Leb or Fingernail dance (which originated in Chiang Mai), the Fawn Tian or Candle dance and Bamboo Cane dances.
The female performer of the Fingernail dance wears long thimble-like extensions of her fingers made of silver or gilt cardboard that taper to a point. Each finger and hand gesture is invested with meaning.
In the Candle dance, lit candles are held instead of the thimble-like structures. In the Bamboo Cane dance, eight male dancers in pairs beat long bamboo canes together in time with the accompanying music while dancing couples weave between the canes when they are held apart.
THAI CLASSICAL DANCE
The most important and stylish form of Thailand dance however is said to be the Khon classical dance. During this Thai dance form the non-speaking performers (who usually wear masks) feature stories or episodes from the Ramakien and costumes used are very traditional. In past times these dances were only ever performed at royal ceremonies.
The theme is the Thai version of the Ramayana, the Indian epic. Indeed, the Khlon classical dance is said to demand the most highly skilled performers along with the creation of the finest costumes and set designs. In 2012 the classical episode of Jong Tanon was performed in Bangkok to celebrate the 80th birthday of Thailand's Queen Sirikit. Indeed, it has been the royal patronage of Thai dancing through the centuries that has preserved many of the original or classical forms of dance in Thailand.
There are a number of cultural shows held in Bangkok and other regions of Thailand which showcase Thailand dance (see image above). For example, the Siam Niramit stage show (which allows you to sample Bangkok nightlife) provides a sample of Thai dance and is held within the massive Ratchada theater (within the Siam Niramit complex) in Bangkok. With seating for 2,000 people and shows held daily at 8 PM; gates are open from 5.30 PM to allow access to the Sawasdee Restaurant .