Through the looking glass

After trying to change the schedule to May last year only to encounter a wealth of problems, the Chiang Mai Ballet’s annual performance has moved back to its usual slot, the last Sunday in March.

Opening this year’s performance, now in its 14th edition, is a contemporary classical Thai dance overture. 

“At a dance competition in Perth back in 2004, our dancer performed a truly classical version of ‘Chui chai phram’ and the judges noted that there was not enough movement in the lower limbs,” says ML Preeyapun Sridhavat, artistic director of Chiang Mai Ballet.

 Since then, we’ve been experimenting more with different styles of Thai dance and winning awards at overseas contests and we’d like to showcase some of that here.”

That overture will be followed by a classical ballet treat as the students and professionals perform Act 2, Scene 2 of “La Bayadere”. Peera Phanlukthao and Chonnakarn Panpijit will take turns portraying the roles of Solor and the High Brahmin, while double cast in the role of Gamzatti are Khemruthai Chaiwipassatorn and Sirada Limjeerajarat. An alumnus of Chiang Mai Ballet who is now a member of Singapore Dance Theatre will fly in to perform his solo as the Bronze Idol.

“We are now part of the Asean Economic Community, and the AEC plus six also includes India. We’d like to show the audience how Indian dance has influenced not only western genres, like flamenco, but also our classical Thai dance,” ML Preeyapun explains.

The main programme is “Alice in Wonderland”, which ML Preeyapun says is being restaged by popular demand.

“Children among the performers and audience love this story as many of them can easily identify with the title character as she goes through this fantasy adventure.”

Khemruthai Chaiwipassatorn and Hannah Staton will take turns in the title role.

 As is the norm in Chiang Mai Ballet’s performances, jazz, modern, contemporary, Latin dance, hip hop and flamenco will again be sharing the stage with classical ballet, and this year hip hop is playing a more important role.

 “Jazz dance can be seen in, for example, the tea party. And as the male lead dancer Saroch Rochprasertgul who’s portraying the Mad Hatter is a hip-hop artist himself, his solo will be hip-hop while his duet with Alice will be contemporary dance.” 

Looking back over the past 14 years, she says the annual performance keeps her dancers literally on their toes, especially as they need to audition to land a part in the show. 

“And because we donate any profit to charity, the dancers ensure they put every effort into helping the less fortunate as well.”

Audience members might want to dress up in the most colourful style they can find as the best dressed will be rewarded with local hotel and restaurant vouchers. Proceeds will be donated to the 48th Pansa Chalermprakiat School in Lamphun province.

 

DOUBLE DELIGHT