The dance of all the nations

The colour of Asean festival opened at Siam Paragon last Thursday with a dazzling burst of hues as dancers from almost every country in the 10-member trading bloc shared the traditional culture of their homelands.
Hosted by the Culture Ministry and wrapping up today, the festival demonstrates the diversity of that culture across Southeast Asia. The dancers in traditional costume brought along the best of other performing arts and, at the same time, paid tribute to Her Majesty the Queen for her birthday today.
The cultural showcase, subtitled “Pre-eminent Protector of Arts and Crafts”, is expected to strengthen bonds among the countries ahead of the Asean Economic Community’s launch in 2015.
“‘Pre-eminent Protector of Arts and Crafts’ aims to reply Her Majesty’s wish for the preservation of Thai culture, especially the silk industry,” Culture Minister Sontaya Kunplome explained, “while ‘Colours of Asean’ is a part of the exchange in Southeast Asian performances and crafts.”
The festival stretches across three zones inside and outside the mall.
In the second-floor Lifestyle Hall, visitors can view paintings of Her Majesty, postage stamps bearing her likeness and a demonstration by Thai silk makers. Thai silk is shown alongside that of our neighbouring countries. There’s also a photographic homage to the Queen, “All Love to Mother Forever”.
On the M Floor are large portraits of Her Majesty and a silk-and-flowers display on which admirers can write their birthday wishes to the Queen.
Parc Paragon between the mall and
 Siam Centre hosts performances by Southeast Asian troupes demonstrating “Asean Harmony in Honour of Her Majesty the Queen”. Asean Day was August 8, so there’s another reason to celebrate.
From Brunei, a rich culture steeped in Malay Islamic faith and monarchic tradition, dancers perform the “Senandung Budaya”, a lively retelling of traditional stories.
Cambodia has dispatched one of its Culture Ministry troupes, and Indonesia’s all-women group PLT Bakong Katsuhama makes wonderful use of the batik for which the country is famed.
Tribal dancers from Laos put on a joyful show that reflects esteem for the old ways and for nature. Myanmar’s performance includes marionettes. Sining Kumintang Ng Batangas, made up of ethnic dancers from the Philippines, shows the influence of Spanish colonial times.
Singapore treats viewers to Chinese dancing, a jolly combing of homey tribal style and powerful movements. Vietnam presents aspects of its culture including the “non la” caps that farmers wear.
Thailand has performers from all its four regions – from the dramatic drumming of Rabum Pae Ree Wi Thi Thai to manora and ponglang dancers.
 

FINAL CALL
The Colour of Asean festival is at Siam Paragon. It ends today with a 7.30pm performance by dancers from the Bunditpatanasilpa Institute.