Correction Methods of Organ Posture for Thai Classical Dancing, according to Basic Thai Royal Court Classical Dancing Standard

Abstract

This research aims to study correction methods of organ posture for Thai classical dancing, according to basic Thai royal court classical dancing standard, using practice of Thai classical dancing posture of the Fine Arts Department since the establishment of Nataduriyangkasart School (Dramatic Arts College) in 1934 to present.  The practice has been accepted as model of Thai royal court classical dancing.  The research was performed by studies from documents, interviews of relating persons and observation of the practice of Thai classical dancing classes.

Having studied, the practice of classical dancing postures, according to basic Thai royal court classical dancing standard can be described by 3 main groups of vocabularies as follows: 

1. Groups of words representing the correct postures of classical dancing

2. Groups of words representing the incorrect postures of classical dancing

3. Groups of words advising the correction of imperfection in classical dancing postures

There are 4 correction methods of substandard classical dancing postures

1. correction by the teacher’s pushing, pulling and setting aside organs of the practitioners to be in the correct postures.  This is called “Kan Jab Ta” which is the heart for teaching of dancing practice

2. correction by using the vocabularies representing incorrect postures of classical dancing and telling the practitioners that their positions and directions are not correct according to the basic standard

3. correction by using the vocabularies advising the improvement of classical dancing positions in order that the practitioners can improve their postures

4. Self-correction by looking at their classical dancing positions in the mirror and practice according to their teachers’ advices.