The Study of The Roles of Thai Dance Within Social and Cultural Contexts

Abstract

This research consists of two primary purposes 1. to analyze the evolutionary relationship between socio-cultural contexts and the transformation of Thai dance styles across different eras and 2. to synthesize the adaptation models and mechanisms of Thai dance in response to contemporary society and for the sustainable existence in the future. This study employed a qualitative research approach. The research instruments consisted of recording forms and interview forms. The sample group comprised five experts selected through purposive sampling. The data collected from documents, literature reviews, recording forms and interviews were analyzed using content analysis. The research findings that 1) The development of Thai dance is intrinsically linked to societal progress, categorized into three major phases. A reliance on nature where performances originated from imitating natural movements to communicate with the sacred and manage existential fears. The creation of distinct local and ethnic identities to foster social pride and community relations. A transition toward generating business value and professional networks to ensure survival in a complex economy and 2) In the transition from tradition to cultural commerce, Thai performing arts have evolved from a heritage of preservation into a spiritual business. This evolution utilizes artistic refinement as a tool for negotiation through online platforms to satisfy human needs in the digital age. Furthermore, the study identifies a paradox between rigid tradition and creative spaces, revealing how the constraints of academic and competitive regulations often conflict with the freedom of integration found in professional practice. These findings reflect that contemporary Thai performing arts function as a flexible tradition that continuously reshapes itself according to the contexts and conditions of modern society.