THAO SURANAREE WORSHIP DANCE: BACKGROUND AND CULTURAL CONTEXT OF PERFORMANCE

Abstract

Thao Suranaree Worship Dance of Nakhon Ratchasima was first held in 1996 by the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Red Cross Office at Thao Suranaree Monument Square, Ratchadamnoen Road. The idea was to create an identity in the annual event for the people of Korat, which shows the faith and recognition of the virtues of Thao Suranaree with the Korat ancestors that happened in the Thung Samrit heroic times.

         Thao Suranaree Worship Dance and Korat culture are deeply intertwined, comprising a structure based on traditions and cultures that reflect attitudes, values, beliefs, and social status. This worship dance, in addition to focusing on the dance process, also has many hidden cultural contexts, such as the Korat language, Korat melody, Korat Mahori band, costumes, and good ethics in society. This creates a broad and sustainable learning society as well as a sense of preserving, awareness, and pride in the unique identity that arises in one's homeland. This Thao Suranaree Worship Dance has evolved with the Korat people for 25 years. Today, it can be used as a guideline for other local communities wishing to organize the dance to worship the sacred things of their hometowns, with an evidence-based approach in the cultural context.