GUIDELINES ON THAI DANCE TEACHING: THE UTILIZATION OF DANCE VOCABULARY WITH STUDENTS HAVING DIFFERENT BACKGROUND KNOWLEDGE

Abstract

This article aims to present the benefits and importance of using dance vocabulary as a Thai Dance Teaching Method to enhance the knowledge of university students with different background knowledge in dancing. Dance vocabulary is not only theoretically used for communication, but provides a strong practical knowledge of dancing for a better understanding of movements of head, trunk, hands, legs, and feet.

The guidelines on using dace vocabulary for teaching Thai dance are, therefore, an important tool to help students learn effectively. In brief, it is first necessary to understand each dance vocabulary through explanation by the lecturer prior to dancing. Importantly, the selected dance vocabulary should link to each part of the human body in dance movements. This is required for a basic dance at the beginning and for an advanced dance in the future. Dance vocabulary-based learning guides a proper body movement along with a correct pattern of dancing and helps controlling one’s body while dancing. This will be helpful for any kinds of Thai dance.