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Dynamism of Ballet in Isan
Authors: Sirimongkol Natayakul, Vutthipong Roadkhasermsri, Surapone Virunrak
Number of views: 408
Isan is a region with diverse dancing art forms, such as Fon (Northertern-Thai-styledance),
Serng (Northestern-Thai-style-dance), and Ram (Central-Thai-style-dance) which are attached to
important traditions associated with Buddhism and spiritual beliefs. Ballet is a unique cross-cultural
dance that has spread into Isan society over a long period of time. This qualitative research aims to study
the history of ballet in Isan from 1976 to 2012 and the factors that have led to the dynamism of ballet in
Isan. Research methods used for data collection include document study, fieldwork and researcher
experience. In this study, the population and area samples are in seven provinces: Khon Kaen, Nakhon
Ratchasima, Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, Maha Sarakham, Chaiyaphum and Buriram. Ballet first
appeared in Isan in 1976 when Khunying Genevieve Damon, a French national, Ekachai Kaikaew and
Kanoknat Homasawin set up as ballet teachers. Ballet schools are found in 12 public schools, 21 private
schools and one school of the local administrative organization. Ballet shows take two forms, which are
either Conventional Ballet and Non-Conventional Ballet. Seven factors affect the dynamism of ballet in
Isan: government policy, education, economy, ballet teachers, parents of ballet students, communications
and overseas organizations. Ballet teachers have a multidimensional role in educational society and are
thus very important to the ballet shows in the Isan area. Moreover, ballet teachers in the Northeast also
create, design, choreograph and direct the shows. The dynamism of education and economy are the
second and the third most important factors.