SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF COURTSHIP DANCE TECHNIQUES IN THE DANCE DRAMA : LAKHON PHANTHANG PHRA LOR

Abstract

This study aimed to study the background and elements of courtship dance which were performed in dance drama, and to analyze special characteristics of courtship dance patterns and techniques in Lakhon Phanthang Phra Lor : Khao Hong episode. To conduct the research, a qualitative research procedure was applied by studying documents, textbooks, literatures, and related studies, interviewing, observing live dance performance, and watching Phra Lor performing by the national artist, Wanika Bunnag. It was followed by summarizing, and composing the information. The result reveals that the courtship dance refers to the performance to express the characters’ love for each other. Male characters always court female characters. It can also be seen that female characters court male characters. Dance procedures used in courtship dance which were performed in lyrics and Nah Paht songs are classified into three following categories: eyes courtship, speech courtship, and touch courtship. In dance dramas, there are two courtship postures which are sitting courtship and standing courtship. Most courtships are only performed by one male character and one female character. However, the result shows that some courtships are performed by one male character and two female characters. This is called special courtship, which was performed in Lakhon Phanthang Phra Lor : Khao Hong episode. The three patterns of special courtship in the dance drama are (1) similar courtship dance, (2) meanwhile two female characters courtship dance, (3) related acting courtship dance. The techniques which Wanika Bunnag used to perform Phra Lor character of Khao Hong part in Lakhon Phanthang Phra Lor were                pre-performing techniques, expressing techniques, and dance techniques.