Northern Thai Dance in The Krua Than Parade

Abstract

The objectives of the article include 1) studying the history of dance elements of the Fon Khrua Than on the Poi Luang tradition from the north of Thailand and the transmission of the dance. Research data were collected from two dance troupes: 1) Mae Khru Bua Riao troupe and 2) Mae Khru Kritsana Kanchanasurakit. The data was analysed using content analysis methods and presented as descriptive research.

The result has shown that there were three types of the Fon in the Poi Luang tradition as follows: 1) Fon Lep, 2) Fon Hae Khru Than, and 3) Fon Muang performing based on depending on the regional contexts. The khrua was then performed to make merit based on Buddhist belief; there were the following Fon: Chang Fon Hua Wat, Chang Fon Rap. The area study contained two different parts, including Fon Lep Chiang Rai by Mae Khru Bua Riao derived from Pho Khru Som and Pho Khru Kui Suphawasit, which have 16 dance figures connecting one dance figure; the dance is accompanied by pat kong (northern style music ensemble) playing Hae Muang or Chiang San Luang. On the other hand, the Fon Klong Uet in Pare province by Mae Khru Kritsana Kanchanasura; there are the following Fon: Fon Lep or Fon Hae Khrua Than derived from Mae Khru Pramuan Ritthisin that contain 10 standardised dance figures and 15 dance moves.