Nora Bird Dance of Southern Thailand: Traditional Ritual Performance for the Gods | Cultural Dance Costume & Accessories for Festivals & Ceremonies

Dancing for The Gods - The Nora Bird Dance of Southern Thailand explains the many facets of this dance form: the aesthetics, origins of the dance forms, and its societal meaning. What’s more, author and anthropologist Marlane Guelden analyzes the controversies among Nora performers.Nora dance is a tradition undergoing a major transformation. In the past, Nora dance was strictly a sacred dance, performed within and among Nora family members in Southern Thailand. These days, secular forms of the dance are attracting larger audiences from beyond the region.Guelden describes and provides analyses of her many interviews with members of the families involved in the Nora dance traditions, addresses how current economic factors are changing the Nora dance, and discusses concerns of contemporary families and individuals who perform Nora dances.This is an engaging book for all those interested in Thai arts, history, and culture—anthropologists, ethnologists, dancers, actors, and all visitors to Thailand who want more than a superficial understanding of the country.Issues associated with Nora de are presented in detailed chapters; one learns about their beliefs, the origins of Nora dance performances, the meaning of the dances, the development and division into sacred and secular dancing, and the relationship of the dance to the wider Thai society.