THE NORA IS A TRADITIONAL DANCE
OF SOUTH THAILAND
OF SOUTH THAILAND
The Nora is a traditional dance
of South Thailand (in South Thai language called the “Chatri”), whose origins
lie in various legends of which there are different versions. The choreography
of the Nora dance varies from region to region, but is generally composed of 12
positions and 17 movements.
Ram Taeng Kae • This is another elaborate
Nora dance that requires great interpretative gifts. On the stage the
protagonist launches a harpoon at the crocodile, whose back, lit by candles, is
made from the trunk of a banyan tree. The female dancer moves round the
writhing crocodile, poised to pierce its head at the right moment.
Ram Nora Son Ram •This is a basic posture, which is executed by concentrating on
hand arm and shoulder movements, and on the equilibrium and movement of various
parts of the body, and is accompanied by rather long lyrics.
Ram Kien Pral – Yieb Louk
Manao – Ram Ko Soet • This advanced level of the Nora
dance is usually performed during a competition between two groups of dancers.
To intimidate the rival group, a male dancer strikes an effigy. In the version
known as Yleb Louk Manao, the female protagonist stamps on three lemons
symbolizing the hearts of the rivals. The dance is performed as a sign of
victory. In the next dance the female protagonist asks the pran, the comical
hunter, to give her a headdress as a symbol of her victory. This is a
ceremonial ritual carried out to dishonor rivals and to encourage the members
of the group, and is characterized by a certain sacredness, as can be seen from
the style of the dance.
Ram Nora Bot Pratom • This choreography uses another basic posture, in which hand, arm
and shoulder movements are synchronized with those of the head.
Ram Ooak Pran • In the company that performs a Nora, the pran or hunter plays
the part of the fool. He usually wears a hunter’s mask or headdress. His
movements are often amusing, and designed to make the audience laugh. Each
position is in harmony with the dynamic rhythm of the music.
Ram Nora Klong Hong • This advanced level of Nora is performed only on important
occasions. The female protagonist plays the role of Hong or Kinnaree – a
legendary creature who is half woman and half bird. According to a celebrated
Nora teacher, this episode is partly based on the legend of Prasuton-Manora.
The seven Kinnaree are playing in the lake in the middle of a wood. Struck by
their beauty and lightheartedness, Pran Boon, the hunter, chases the maidens in
an attempt to catch the youngest. The lively harmonious movements perfectly
evoke Pran Boon’s pursuit of the Kinnaree as she tries to escape.
Ram Nora Tam Bot – Ram
Ooak Pran • In this dance the hand movements
evoke the beautiful scenery of Songkla Province, in South Thailand. The verses
of the song are accompanied by a very lively rhythm.
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