The Conservation and Development of Northern Thai Dance by Chiang Mai College of Dramatic Arts

Abstract

This article aimed to study the essence of conservation and development of Lanna performance of Chiang Mai College of Dramatic Arts influenced by Mrs Sompan Chotana, the artist of the court of Princess Dara Rasmi. This study employed qualitative methods, including primary and secondary sources of data as well as interviewing experts. The results have shown three crucial aspects of conservation and development as follows: 1) Folk dance styles of Chiang Mai College of Dramatic Arts have been transferred from the court of Princess Dara Rasmi, 2) the creation of Lanna performance of Chiang Mai College of Dramatic Arts was developed from the prototypical forms of Princess Dara Rasmi, and 3) The northern Thai dances of Chiang Mai College of Dramatic Arts, which have been performed at the National Dance Festival of College of Dramatic Arts, were created and developed in line with a unique tradition of Chiang Mai College of Dramatic Arts. Such tradition contains delicate and beautiful movement passed down through generations.