Maddie James
Thailand's diverse regions have cultivated a wide range of distinct folk dance styles, with over a hundred unique styles collectively known as rabam phun muang. Thai dance is characterised by its grace and elegance, with intricate hand, finger and arm movements. Northern Thai dances emphasise grace and fluidity, and one of the most well-known is the Fon Tian, or Candle Dance. This dance originated in Burma and became popular in Northern Thailand during the Burmese occupation of that region from 1556 to 1785. The Thai adapted the dance to their own tastes, slowing down the tempo and adding their own cultural influences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Fon Tian, Fawn Tian, Candle Dance |
| Origin | Burmese dance that gained recognition in Northern Thailand during the Burmese occupation of the region from 1556-1785 |
| Performance | Eight dancers in pairs, each carrying candles |
| Style | Slow, gentle, graceful, and fluid movements |
| Accompaniment | Folk music of the region |
| Purpose | Performed in honour of the Buddha |
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What You'll Learn
The Candle Dance is a Burmese dance
The Candle Dance, or Fon Tian, is a traditional dance from Northern Thailand. It is characterised by its slow and gentle movements, with female dancers holding candles as they pay homage to the divinities that protect the eight cardinal points of the Earth. The dance originated as a Burmese dance during the Burmese occupation of Northern Thailand from 1556 to 1785. Over time, it gained popularity and became a well-known part of Northern Thai culture.
The Thai people adopted the dance during the prolonged Burmese occupation, modifying it to suit their tastes. One of the main changes was slowing down the tempo, creating a softer and more graceful performance. The dancers curve their hands in a unique way to prevent the candle flames from extinguishing, even during constant movement. This aspect of the dance captivates audiences and showcases the skill and elegance of Thai dance.
Fon Tian is typically performed during festive occasions and special events, often as a showcase for visitors. It is one of the most popular dances for tourists due to its visual appeal and the skill required to perform it. The dance is usually performed by eight dancers, working in pairs, with each dancer holding a candle. The slow and controlled movements of the dancers create a mesmerising effect, with the candlelight adding to the beauty of the performance.
The Candle Dance is an important part of Northern Thai culture and is often performed during cultural events and celebrations. It has become a symbol of the region's history and diversity, with influences from both Thai and Burmese traditions. The dance is a testament to the rich cultural exchange that occurred during the Burmese occupation, and it continues to be a beloved and distinctive art form in Northern Thailand.
While the Candle Dance is now an integral part of Thai performing arts, its roots lie in the cultural exchange between Thailand and its neighbouring countries. The Thai people have made this dance their own, adapting and modifying it to suit their tastes and traditions. The Candle Dance is a perfect example of how cultural influences can blend and transform over time, creating unique and captivating art forms that transcend borders.
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It became popular in Northern Thailand during the Burmese occupation
The Candle Dance, or Fon Tian, is a popular dance from Northern Thailand. It is a slow-moving dance, with graceful and fluid movements, performed by female dancers who pay homage to the divinities that protect the eight cardinal points of the Earth. The dance originated in Burma and was introduced to Thailand during the Burmese occupation of Northern Thailand from 1556 to 1785.
During this time, the Thai people adopted the dance and made it their own by modifying the tempo to be slower and softer to cater to their tastes. The prolonged occupation led to the integration of Burmese culture into Northern Thai culture, including the Candle Dance. Over time, the dance became increasingly popular in the region and has since become a symbol of Northern Thailand's rich culture.
The Candle Dance is typically performed during festive occasions and for special guests. It is characterised by the dancers' ability to curve their hands in such a way that the candle flames remain lit despite their constant movement. The slow and gentle moves of the dance create a mesmerizing experience for the audience.
The adoption and modification of the Candle Dance during the Burmese occupation reflect the cultural exchange and influence that occurred during this period. The Thai people adapted the dance to suit their preferences, showcasing their creativity and resilience in the face of occupation. The popularity of the Candle Dance in Northern Thailand demonstrates the region's ability to preserve and celebrate its unique cultural heritage, despite external influences.
Today, the Candle Dance is a source of pride and joy for the people of Northern Thailand. It is performed during festivals and special events, captivating audiences with its elegant movements and the skill of the dancers in maintaining the candle flames. The dance has become an integral part of the region's cultural identity, with its roots in the Burmese occupation adding a layer of historical significance to its performance.
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It is performed in honour of the Buddha
The Fon Tian, or Candle Dance, is a traditional dance from Northern Thailand. It originated as a Burmese dance during the Burmese occupation of the region from 1556 to 1785. Over time, it became popular in Northern Thailand, with the Thai modifying the dance to decrease the tempo to suit their tastes. The Candle Dance is performed in honour of the Buddha. Female dancers pay homage to the divinities that protect the eight cardinal points of the Earth, asking them to pass through the candlelight in homage to the Buddha.
The Candle Dance is characterised by slow and gentle movements, with dancers curving their hands so that the flame does not extinguish. The dance consists of eight dancers, each carrying candles, in pairs, with one pair on each side. The slow and controlled movements characterise the Fon Tian, and it is rarely imitated by any other culture. The dance is mostly performed during festive occasions and for special guests.
The Fon Tian is one of the five different styles of Fon Thai, which is a type of slow-moving dance from Northern Thailand. The other four styles are the Fon Leb (Fingernail Dance), Fon Ngiew (Scarf Dance), Fon Morn Gumm Ber (Butterfly Dance), and Fon Morn Mong Kol (Happy Dance). Fon Thai used to be performed for the royal courts of old Siam.
The Fon dance style is a form of folk dance accompanied by folk music from the region. It first originated in the northern region of Thailand and was designed and taught by Chao Dararasami of Chiang Mai. Since then, several variations of Fon have come into practice, featuring the music and style of each province.
The Candle Dance is not the only dance performed in honour of the Buddha in Thailand. The Dance of the Nantha-peri and Pu-cha drums is also performed to pay homage to the Buddha in religious ceremonies. The nantha-peri is a drum characteristic of northern Thailand, while the pu-cha is used by the tribes that live in the north: the Tay Yai, the Tai Lue, and the Tay Yan.
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The dance involves eight female dancers
The Fon Tian, or Candle Dance, is a dance that originated in Burma and became popular in northern Thailand during the Burmese occupation of that region from 1556 to 1785. The dance involves eight female dancers, who pay homage to the divinities that protect the eight cardinal points of the Earth. The dancers, in pairs, ask the divinities to pass through the candlelight in homage to the Buddha.
The Candle Dance is characterised by slow and gentle movements, with the dancers curving their hands so that the flame does not extinguish. The dancers also create the illusion that they can turn their wrists 360 degrees. The dance is mostly performed during festive occasions and for special guests.
The Fon Tian is one of five types of Fawn or Fon dances, which are part of folk dance combined with the folk music of the region. The other types of Fon dances include Fon Leb (Fingernail Dance), Fon Ngiew (Scarf Dance), Fon Morn Gumm Ber (Butterfly Dance), and Fon Morn Mong Kol (Happy Dance).
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It is performed during festive occasions
The Fon Tian, or Candle Dance, is a popular dance in Northern Thailand. It is a slow-moving dance with graceful and fluid movements, performed by eight dancers in pairs, each carrying a candle. The dance originated in Burma and gained recognition in Northern Thailand during the Burmese occupation of the region from 1556 to 1785. The Thai people adopted the dance, modifying it to suit their tastes by decreasing the tempo.
The Candle Dance is typically performed during festive occasions and to honour special guests. It is a popular addition to celebrations and festivals, adding a mesmerising and elegant element to the festivities. The slow and gentle moves of the dancers, combined with the glowing candles, create a captivating performance that leaves a lasting impression on audiences.
One such occasion where the Candle Dance was performed is the Loy Kratong Festival in Chiang Mai in 2003. The festival goers were treated to the enchanting experience of witnessing the Candle Dance, with its slow and graceful movements, creating a memorable and atmospheric addition to the festival celebrations. The dancers' constant movement contrasted with the steady glow of the candles, creating a captivating visual that highlighted the skill and precision of the dancers.
The Candle Dance is also performed as a tribute to the Buddha. Female dancers pay homage to the divinities protecting the eight cardinal points of the Earth, requesting them to pass through the candlelight in reverence to the Buddha. This spiritual aspect adds a sacred dimension to the dance, showcasing the deep cultural and religious significance it holds in Northern Thailand.
The Fon Tian is a beloved part of Northern Thailand's cultural heritage, with its unique roots and captivating performance leaving a lasting impression on both locals and visitors alike. It serves as a testament to the region's rich history and cultural exchange, offering a glimpse into the diverse and fascinating traditions that have shaped the area's vibrant present-day culture.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the Candle Dance or Fon Tian is a dance from Northern Thailand. It originated as a Burmese dance during the Burmese occupation of the region from 1556 to 1785 and was adapted by the Thai to be slower and more graceful.
"Fon" refers to a type of slow-moving dance, while "Tian" means candle.
The Candle Dance is performed by eight female dancers, with two pairs on each side, each carrying a candle. The dancers pay homage to the divinities that protect the eight cardinal points of the Earth, asking them to pass through the candlelight in homage to the Buddha.
The movements of the Candle Dance are slow and graceful, with dancers curving their hands so that the flame does not go out.
