Thailand club blend traditional dance, music and symbolism showing a story of conquering negativity and celebrating Thai culture
Thailand stormed in on stage with bold colors of black and gold clothing accompanied by chanting music as they showcased their performance from the northeast region from Thailand, said Sawalee Saengchai, a senior in TESOL from Thailand and president and choreographer of the club.
Rooted in Thailand story, the song used for the performance is critical to the story, Saengchai said. “‘Phab Marn’ is a song that means conquering bad spirts, and we wanted to focus on the overcoming negativity and restoring balance between good and bad,” she added.
Saengchai said the choreography incorporates culture gestures and movements that reflet Thai traditions. “One example is the ‘wai’, the tradition of greeting having two hands together and bowing slightly. We included that specific gesture as it shows respect and our beliefs,” she explained. Saengchai said the performers wear black and gold to represent both darkness and strength. “Black represents the negative things but also the power,” she said.
Pimpon Srisuwan, a sophomore from Thailand majoring in accounting and the club’s treasurer, said her participation for culture night made her appreciate and love her culture more. “We spent so much time together with the members in planning and practicing and being in this position in the presidency made me understand Thai culture more,” she added.
Srisuwan said Culture Night has helped her rediscover her cultural heritage. “When I was in Thailand, I didn’t really traditional dance much,” she said. “But when I came here and had to research and watch traditional performances, I realized how beautiful culture is.” Both students said they hope the performance could leave audiences with a deeper appreciation of Thailand and its people. Srisuwan said she wants people to remember Thai people as welcoming and beautiful.
