Strictly Khon dancing: Thai performers practice traditional dance

By Bunmi Adigun @Bunmi_Adigun

PERFORMERS of one of Thailand’s most highly regarded dances are keeping the tradition alive, despite the recent decline in popularity of the art form

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The story is meant to represent the constant battle between good and evil

Known as Khon, the dance had been a mainstay in Thai culture for centuries.

It beautifully tells the story of Phra Ram and his battle with the demon king Thotsakan who kidnapped his wife, Nang Sida.

The traditional dance has been on the decline in Thailand

During the epic, Phra Ram joins forces with Hanuman, the monkey king, to fight Thotsakan and rescue Nang Sida.

To Sa Kan, an ally of the demon king Thotsakan does battle with Hanuman

Thai photographer Nuttawut Jaroenchai took the powerful images in the hopes of reigniting interest in the dance and Thai traditions.

Dancers spend years in special schools to learn the traditional art form

He said: “I wanted to capture the history of Khon. Nowadays Khon is not popular in Thailand and few young people are still doing it.”

In the past, the dance was only allowed to be performed by members of the royal family

At its height, the dance could only be performed by the royal family and was performed in the royal court.

The story is an adaptation of the traditional Indian epic, Ramayana

As time went on Khon became more widespread as the performances were eventually brought to the masses.

Thai photographer, Nuttawut Jaroenchai had never seen a performance live until snapping the pictures

Nuttawut explains: “In the past, the performances were only done in the palace, however now it is performed in theatres and used to celebrate Father’s and Mother’s Day.”

Female performer playing the role of Nang Sida, Phra Ram's wife

Performers of the traditional dance spend years in special schools to study every aspect of the discipline.

He said: “People study from the age of 13 until they are 23 to gain a bachelor degree in the dance.”

Hanuman is seen as one of the most important characters in the story

Originating from India, the dance is an adaptation of the story of Ramayana and is practiced all over south east Asia, with each culture adding their own variation to the story.

Although a native of Thailand, Nuttawut had never seen the dance in person until he took the incredible pictures.

“I was thrilled because I have never seen it before,” he added.