Burma and
indigenous nationals cultures celebrated
Burma classic dance during the Bagan
period from 1057 to 1287.
Stone inscriptions of this period mention 21
musical instruments and 64 kinds of
musicians and Burma dancers
and also the word "Ka-Chay-Tha-Bin"
which means Music and Dance Festival. King
Nga Si Shin Kyawswa of Pinya dynasty
composed "Kar-Chins" or martial songs for a
shield dance in 1336. In 1714, Minister
Padetharaja wrote a play entitled "Manikhet
Zat" which initiated the form of "Zat-Kyi"
or traditional grand drama. He also composed
thirty seven "Nat" songs. Marionette theatre
and "Myay-Waing" dance also emerged at about
this time. The latter dance was performed on
a circular plot of ground on the same level
as the
audience.
In 1767, King Hsinbyushin conquered
Ayutthaya, the capital of Thailand, and
brought back many craftsman and artists
including court dancing girls who introduced
and taught Thai dance forms in Burma. Thus
Burma dance styles have been enriched by
absorbing techniques and styles from
neighbours.
Interest
in all forms of arts and crafts declined during
British rule. To revive and promote the performing
arts after the country regained independence, the
government opened the State School of Music and
Drama in Rangoon in 1954 and the State School of Fine
Arts, Music and Dancing at Mandalay, in 1955.
The present basic dance course known as "Ka-byar-lut,"
is performed with drum beats as the only
accompaniment. A stone figure in the Shwezigon
pagoda from the Bagan period portrays the "Ka-byar-lut"
dance style, suggesting that this basic dance has
been in existence for a very long time.
There are a number of popular dances performed for
state guests, visitors and the general public at
festivals or at restaurants.
One is the "Bon-she" or
long drum dance featuring two long drums, a pair of
cymbals, a bamboo clapper and a "Hne," a wind
instrument similar to an oboe. The "Ozi" or potdrum
dance includes a drummer who may carry and play from
one or many drums, two bamboo clappers, a cymbals
player, an oboe player and an "Ozi" dancer usually
garbed as a prince or a royal page boy.
The "Dobat," or two-faced drum dance is performed by
two drummers, one bamboo clapper, a cymbalist, an
oboist and a dancer. This dance is always performed
in village festivities with very little music. Folk
festivals also feature "Toenaya" dance. The Toenaya
is a mythical figure made up of jute, coarse paper
and strips of bamboo. The dancer dons the framework
of the gaily painted and decorated Toenaya figure
and performs the dance together with the "Dobat" or
"Ozi" music.
The "Mingalar bar" dance, a greeting dance bestowing
blessings upon the audience, is a very graceful
dance on the "Nat" votaress. The "Si-mi-kwet dance
or oil lamp dance, features dancers carrying lighted
oil lamps on their palms paying homage and reverence
to the Buddha. The suppleness and skill of the
dancer enables her to move hands, feet, body and
head without upsetting the lamp or extinguishing the
flames during the performance.
Other popular dances are the "Tabin-Taing,"
traditional solo dance; "Zawgyi," or alchemist
dance; "Anyeint," a solo, artistic dance performed
together with story telling, humor, jokes and shows;
"Ahpyodaw," maid of honour dance; "Wun," minister
dance;
"Ayoke," or marionette dance, where the dancers
perform imitating the movements of puppets; the
"Nay-yar-dawkhin" or royal page boy dance; the "Sidaw,"
or royal drum dance and others.
Burma traditional dances can be
enjoyed in several restaurants and hotels -like
Kandawgyi Palae Hotel- also as a dinner show.
The Burma orchestra, called a "Saing,".
in which
percussion instruments dominate, provides the
musical accompaniment for the traditional dances.
The orchestra consists of the "Patt Waing," a circle
of 21 drums in the centre, the "Kyay Maing," a
circle of gongs, a "Patt-Ma," single large drum, "Lingwin,"
cymbals, a "Hne," wind instrument similar to an
oboe, a " Palwe," bamboo flute, "Wah-Let-Khoke,"
bamboo clappers and a "Pattalar," bamboo xylophone.
Sometimes there may also be a "Saung-Gauk," Burma
harp, to complete the ensemble.
The Burma orchestra, called a "Saing,". in which
percussion instruments dominate, provides the
musical accompaniment for the traditional dances.
The orchestra consists of the "Patt Waing," a circle
of 21 drums in the centre, the "Kyay Maing," a
circle of gongs, a "Patt-Ma," single large drum, "Lingwin,"
cymbals, a "Hne," wind instrument similar to an
oboe, a " Palwe," bamboo flute, "Wah-Let-Khoke,"
bamboo clappers and a "Pattalar," bamboo xylophone.
Sometimes there may also be a "Saung-Gauk," Burma
harp, to complete the ensemble.
Dance, dancing, traditional dance, classic dance,
Burma, Birma Rangoon entertainment folklore
show, dancing show, folklore, Burma dance, Burma
dance performance, marionettes
theater, dance, traditional dance, entertainment.
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