The Khon dance is therapy for the body and mind. It is a sort of martial art as well. When one sinks into depression and must face some of his fears before moving on, one must reconcile and commune, achieving it through strength of mind and the practice of this dance - Khon.

Khon dance, learned since childhood, and if not since childhood, then fr a long period of time, typically is done as a dramatic performance, wordless, and telling stories of both good and bad angels. It is a spiritual medicine/cure

 

It is slow, but graceful, very strict, employing 108 basic movements and keeping the body upright from the neck to the hips, moving up and down using only the knees, and stretching to the rhythm of the music. A great deal of symbolism and importance is displayed in complex and beautifully executed finger and hand movements. Sometimes six-inch, especially designed, finger nails add to the effect and complement the splendor of the spectacularly ornate costumes. All of it combines to produce a hypnotic and memorable experience.

It is strict, requires balance, requires practice, not everyone can do it. These dances were said to bring peace and also teach one about life, and about the grace that is needed to fight.

 

 

 

 

Music

Accompanying this dance is a traditional orchestra (the bards, basically) using unique instruments such as the ranad (a wooden, floor level xylophone), sa-law (a bow-shaped instrument played with a violin-like bow), and two bamboo flutes, the phin pia and the khlui. The pii-phaat ensemble consists of between five and seven instruments and produces a pleasant mid-tempo melody to a steady metronomic rhythm. It is a charming and pleasant experience, played out with patience and repeating measures.

But it varies. Another one employs different instruments, excluding the sa-law and phin pia, but it features a slightly aggressive ‘nasal sounding’ flute, rather like an Indian snake charmer, which is perfect for male dances (there are female and male dances in these schools, though everyone learns everything).

 

 

In singing, it is softer, in a form of chirps, mimicking the nature itself. The songs are based in natural sounds, rhythmic and melodic. Chirps of the fleeting mockingbirds, roars from the tigers, squeaks from the mice and hums that swish like the passing winds, vibrating into one's soul. It could also be a more monotone vibrating sequence or a multi toned and very lively tune.