THE CREATION OF THAI DANCE YAN DA OH (GOlDEN lEAVED LIANA)

Abstract

The purposes of this study were to 1) examine the historical background and natural characteristics of the Yan Da Oh (Golden leaved Liana) at at Budo-Su-ngai Padi National Park, Narathiwat Province, and 2) create a Thai dance performance inspired by Yan Da Oh (Golden leaved Liana) This study employed a qualitative creative research design. The instruments used for data collection included observation forms, interview forms, focus group discussions, and expert criticism from qualified specialists. The creative research findings were then presented using a descriptive analytical approach.
The findings showed that: 1) the Yan Da Oh (Golden leaved Liana) found at Budo-Su-ngai Pari National Park, was located in Bacho Subdistrict, Mueang District, Narathiwat Province. This plant was a rare species native to the Budo Mountain Range and was first discovered at Pacho Waterfall, which was considered the first discovery site of the species in the world. Yan Da Oh was a large climbing plant. Its leaf surface was covered with fine, velvet-like hair that gave it a golden appearance. A distinctive feature of this species was that the leaves on a single plant could display three colors: copper, silver, and gold. Its flowers were white and fragrant, arranged in clusters at the tips of the branches. In addition, the plant held cultural significance, as local communities regarded it as an auspicious plant based on traditional beliefs.
2) The creation of dancing performance for Yan Da Oh (Golden leaved Liana) employed the musical composition Rabam Yan Da-oh, with a melody inspired by the folk music of Thailand’s lower southern region. The choreography comprised four principal dance movements: the leaf-covering movement, the tendril-curling movement, the blooming-flower movement, and the rain-touched leaf movement. The use of stage space involved diverse formations and movement patterns. The costume design included strapless bodices, fishtail skirts, full-length long-sleeve tops, earrings, necklaces, hair flowers, and hairpins. The performance involved selected twelve female dancers, and the principal prop used in the performance was a bunch of leaves. Furthermore, the findings could be applied as guidelines for the effective development of future creative works in Thai dance and performing arts.