Higher Education Institutions and Conservation and Transmission of Phrarajjaya Chao Dararasmi’s Classical Dance

Abstract

This article aims to study the role of higher education institutions in the conservation and transmission of classical dance of Princess Dara Rasmi. Data was collected from documents, articles, research studies, and interviews with relevant individuals. The study found that higher education institutions play a significant role in the conservation and transmission of Princess Dara Rasmi’s dance through three main missions: 1. producing graduates—the content has been integrated into the curriculum; 2. Research bachelor’s level in the form of artistic or dance compositions, master’s level as theses, and faculty work as creative projects; 3. providing academic services to society and fostering the arts and culture. Each institution organizes conservation and transmission programs, as well as performances, to disseminate knowledge on various occasions. These include joint performances by northern region higher education institutions and individual institutional performances. From the three missions, it can be seen that mission 1 focuses on conservation, as it aligns with the curriculum for undergraduate studies. Mission 2 focuses on both conservation and creativity, with conservation appearing as part of research at both undergraduate and master's levels, while creativity is reflected in research at the undergraduate level and faculty members' works. Mission 3 focuses on conservation, which is evident in all higher education institutions. Princess Dara Rasmi’s classical dance holds immense value to higher education institutions, establishing a guideline of conservation, transmission, and development for valuable dance works.