Sri Vijayan (Srivichai) Dance
This is a very ancient dance from the Sri Vijayan Kingdom, which flourished from the 8^th through the 13^th centuries. Its influence extended all the way from Southern Thailand through the Straits of Malacca all the way to Java. This dance, which may be 1,000 years old has been reconstructed from archaeological reliefs dating from the Sri Vijayan Kingdom. The color scheme of black, red, and green is Southern Thai. The head-dress is called a Krabang Naa.

Lop Buri Dance
Another very ancient dance, this one is from the Lop Buri period which extended from the 11^th to the 14^th centuries in Central Thailand. The area was heavily influenced by Khmer culture and this shows in the tiara, or crown, worn by the dancers with its characteristic curl at the back. The postures and choreography are archaeological reconstruction.

Sukhothai Dance
Sukhothai is the name of an ancient city located in North Central Thailand. It flourished between the 14^th can 15^th centuries. It is said that many of the modern Thai arts were invented at Sukhothai. The dance has been reconstructed from stone relief found at archaeological sites in the region. The costumes look Khmer. The middle dancer wears a Khmer-style crown, and the black velvet collars are stylized necklaces, which may have originally been made of silver.

Fon Pan
This is another Northern-style dance performed as a courting dance to be accompanied by folk music. The simple costume reflects the simplicity of everyday life and is therefore much simpler than those worn for Court or Palace Dances.

Fon Malai
Fon Malai designates the thick garlands of jasmine shown in the dancers’ hands. The Malai is used for paying respect, especially to the Buddha. However, the dance is not for the Buddha, but for welcoming important guests. It is a slow dance and the long skirts emphasize the formality of the occasion it celebrates.

Fon Ngeow
This is a dance of the northern tribal people, the Ngeow. They are a mountain people and their costumes with their characteristic leggings reflect the cool mountain climate. The alternating fast and slow rhythms of the dance show it as a welcoming dance or as a well-wishing dance.


Rabam Chow Khow
This is a Lisu tribal dance from the mountainous north. The costumes are adapted from the daily dress of the Lisu people. The dance is a joyful campfire piece, very infomal and intended only for entertainment. The accompanying instruments would be a bamboo flute, a Salaw, a small stringed instrument held upright and played with a bow, and the "Pin", which resembles the western lyre.

Serng Thangwai

Serng Ponglang
Another example of Isan region dance, this one is for joyful occasions. A male dancer is possible so it may depict courting scenes. The male dancers wear the typical blue shirts and pakhowma of the region. The name of the dance derives from the musical instrument used during its performance. The gentle, rhythmic swaying of the hips is typical of many Isan dances.

Renunakhon
This dance, with its exotic fingernails made of paper and reinforced with metal wire, tufted at the ends with colorful yarns, is a welcoming dance performed to receive important guests. The dancers perform according to the rhythms of a drum and Khaen, a multi-tubed bamboo flute.

Serng Kratip
This is another dance from the Isan region in Northeastern Thailand. It reflects the daily life of the people. Here, the dancers wear rice basket on their shoulders and their gestures imitate the rolling of the sticky, glutinous rice that is a typical food in the region. The dancers are to be seen as making preparations for receiving workers as they return from their fields, tired and hungry after a long day’s work.

Serng Krayang
The krayang is a kind of basket which the male dancers are holding in their hands. It ifs used for harvesting the bamboo shoots, or Nomai, used in one of the popular dishes from the Isan region, called Soup Nomai. The dance depicts not only the harvest but also the gaiety between the sexes during the harvest. The jackets are trimmed with white buttons.

Drum Dance

Fan Dance
This dance is inspired by the traditional Thai Court fans with their long handles. They are one of the emblems of the Royal Thai Court and were used by ladies-in-waiting as they fanned the Royal Family. The gestures of the dance imitate those of the ladies fanning the Royal Family. Because of its associations with the Court, the costumes, with their gold thread, are formal. The dance itself is for joyful occasions.

Ram Sri Nuan
This is a Central Thai dance that all Thai girls used to learn. The movements are very fundamental and all dancers must first master this dance before learning any others. The costume is common dress for the Ayutthaya period (1350-1767). It is still worn today by the more traditionally minded people in the region.

Manohra Dance

Sat Chatri Dance
This is an adaptation of the prelude of a popular dance from Southern Thailand known as the Norah Chatri. Originally, it was a ceremonial dance performed on auspicious days, or performed in homage to the dancers’ teachers. The headdress is called a Sroed. While this version of the dance has been re-arranged, it still retains the movements and timing of the original.