Thailand

MENORA DANCE- THAILAND

Based on the “Legend of Manohara” from the Buddhist Jataka tales is a Southeast Asian dance form known as Menora. This “theatrical” dance is said to have originated in Thailand and is also performed in the north of Malaysia. Apparently, this dance performed in the Malaysian states of Kelantan and Terrengganu generally comprises of many elements belonging to a Mak-Yong, a Malay style of dancing. Furthermore, this dance may also be referred to as “Manora” in the Thai language.

Manohara, this type of performance shares some similarities with the Lakorn Chatri, another Siamese art form that originated in central Thailand. Nora, a performance that traces its origins more than 500 years, is still performed today in Thai community centers, at temple festivals, and other social and cultural gatherings. Master teachers train new performers in classrooms, homes, and other settings.

a. History/origin of the Menora dance:

According to the cultural history of Thailand, this theatrical dance style is said to have been developed using the legend of Manhora, a half woman half bird character belonging to the Buddhist Jataka tales, as inspiration. Furthermore, this dance is also performed in northeastern Malaysia in states such as Kelantan and Terrengganu. In addition, in these states this dance style incorporates many elements belonging to Mak Yong.

b. Costumes used in the Menora dance:

The costumes used in this dance style include a calf length trouser known as the “Sanap phlao”, and decorative cloth strips including the hoi na that hang from the front and hoi khang that hangs from the side. Furthermore, accessories include jewel sashes known as Sangwan, a pendant known as thap suag, an embroidered collar known as krong kho, and a pointed crown headdress known as a soet.

c. Music involved in the Menora dance:

The musical instruments basically involved in this dance style includes a pair of hand cymbals, a pair of small knobbed gongs, a pair of wooden sticks, a barrel shaped gendang, a reed instrument, and a vase shaped single headed drum.

d. Training availability and the technique involved in the Menora dance:

In terms of technique, this dance involves the use of extremely slow rhythmic movements of the legs, arms, and fingers. Furthermore, this dance also includes invoking spirits that apparently are capable of driving away evil spirits. As for training centers/schools, there are none available around the world since this “theatrical” dance is mainly performed in Thailand.

e. Some of the best Menora Dance videos from Thailand

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