The Ancient Chong Dance

Abstract

The objective of this research is to study the history, the inheritance, the elements of the ancient Chong dance, and the step pattern of the ancient Chong dance. The researcher obtained information from books, textbooks, related research papers, and interviews with experts from a variety of backgrounds concerning the identity of the Chong people, the inheritance of the show, the connection of the ancient Chong dance to the Chong people, the composition of the show, costumes, the step pattern, and the occasions on which the dance was performed. The interviews were divided into 2 groups: the experts and the local people with great knowledge and wisdom of the ancient Chong dance. There were criteria for both groups of informants. Interview tools were constructed and assessed. The data obtained were analyzed in order to write a research report on the ancient Chong dance. The findings revealed that the ancient Chong dance was a performance of the Chong people who were traditional indigenous people of Tambon Khlong Plu, Khao Khitchakut District, Chanthaburi Province. The dance was about a love motion between men and women. The lyrics contained both the Thai lyrics and the Chong language, which told the lifestyle of the Chong people. The inheritance could be divided into 2 stages. The composition of the show consisted of 11 lyrics. Klong Phen or Klong Tad was used as a percussion instrument for playing the rhythm. The dance is the courtship dance between men and women.