VIDEO
Because of Somapa's broad depth of knowledge of traditional Thai dance, we can customize our performances, making them a perfect fit for your next event or festival. Below you will find examples of the variety of traditional Thai dances in our repetoire.
Somapa Compilation Video
This video provides abbreviated clips of Somapa's past performances at different locations in the U.S. and abroad. It shows Somapa's versatility in Thai classical and folk dance genres. Edited by Terry Stubbs
Rabum Tarikipas (a fan dance)
A traditional folk dance from southern Thailand commonly performed in Muslim fishing villages along the coasts. The performance at the Royal Thai in Washington D.C.
May 1, 2010.
Dance of Mae Phosop (Goddess of Rice)
This dance features Mae Phosop or the Thai Goddess of Rice who is considered the spirit or soul of rice, the main staple of the Thai diet. Mae Phosop is a deity that is part of the ancient Thai folklore and predates Buddhism - the main religion of Thailand. In Thailand, Mae Posop is worshiped and believed to bring good harvest to the farmers and the society.
Rabum Krailas Samreung
At the invitation and under the auspices of the Royal Thai Embassy in Mexico, members of Somapa Thai Dance Company performed a classical dance piece Rabum Krailas Samreung in Mexico City at the 16th Annual ASEAN Bazaar on November 24, 2007. This event, held at Teatro Angela Peralta, served as a fundraiser to benefit the victims of the floods in the state of Tabasco.
Rabum Thepbunterng
Somapa Thai Dance Company performed Rabum Thepbunterng at Washington DC's Union Station during the 2008 Thai Festival August 23 and 24, 2008 commemorating 175 years of relations between Thailand and the US.
Mekhala-Ramasoon
The sea goddess Mekhala possesses a radiant gem. During the rainy season she joins other gods and goddesses in singing and dancing, and tosses her gem into the air, sending sparking lights in all directions. Ramasoon, a demon, desires the gem -- but Mekhala refuses to give it to him. He tries to steal it, and in his pursuit he throws his diamond axe at Mekhala, causing a great crackling sound. Legend is that flashes of lightning are the brilliant sparkles of Mekhala's gem and the sound of thunder is made by Ramasoon's axe as it cuts through the air.
Fon Pang
Fon Pang is a folk dance from northern Thailand. Dancers perform with candles in their hands and dance with extremely flexible movements. This dance is usually performed in Buddhist ceremonies and festivals in northern Thailand. Northern Thai dances and music have meditative quality and signify peace and gracefulness. Northern dancers often perform in large groups or in processions. Performance at Mexico City's Teatro de la Danza, affiliated with the Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes. Courtesy of DanzaNet.com. February 7, 2010
Rabum Sawadi Raksa
Rabam Sawadi Raksa is a dance that shows how Thai women in the past dressed in different colors on different days of the week. To assign a color and a combination of colors to each day of the week was believed to be a way to confer an aura and good fortune to all the seven days of the week. The performance starts with solo dances from Sunday through Saturday with lyrics explaining the significance of the colors and the fortunes of each day. At the end of the dance, seven dancers collectively bless the audience with wealth, prosperity, and happiness
Serng Pong Lang
A folk dance from Northeastern Thailand. Performance at the Smithsonian Institution's Sackler Gallery, under the auspices of the 2009 Presidential Inaugural Committee.
January 18, 2009