Global Southeast Asian Court & Folk
Classical court dances and folk traditions from Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Laos, often influenced by Indian and Chinese aesthetics.
20 dance styles in this genre
Dance Styles
Khon
Masked classical dance-drama based on Ramayana epic; features slow, controlled movements and elaborate costumes.
Legong
Graceful classical dance performed by young girls depicting Hindu stories; characterized by synchronized hand and body movements.
Kecak
Monkey dance with rhythmic chanting (cak); tells Ramayana stories through acrobatic ensemble movements.
Pendet
Young women's offering dance performed to purify temples; uses graceful arm movements and temple props.
Topeng
Masked dance-drama form depicting various social characters; combines storytelling with intricate footwork.
Reog
Folk dance-drama featuring a large tiger mask performer with acrobatic movements; performed during celebrations.
Gandrung
Folk dance with swaying movements and flirtation between dancers; performed at celebrations.
Jaipong
Contemporary Javanese dance fusion combining traditional movements with modern music.
Baris
Warrior dance performed by men depicting martial prowess; features sharp, energetic movements.
Sanghyang
Sacred trance dance ritual believed to invoke spirits; performed to protect villages.
Tinikling
Folk dance depicting rice bird movements; performed with two people manipulating bamboo poles.
Singkil
Muslim royal court dance performed with bamboo poles; depicts royal procession with flowing skirts.
Maglalatik
Men's folk dance performed with coconut shell armor depicting warrior movements.
Cariñosa
Courtship dance for couples blending Spanish and Filipino movements; performed with fan and handkerchief.
Zapin
Folk dance with Arab influences performed in pairs with hip and leg movements.
Joget
Social dance for couples combining Portuguese and Malay traditions; performed to lively music.
Robam Tep Apsara
Celestial nymph dance based on Angkor temple carvings; UNESCO Masterpiece of Intangible Heritage (2003).
Ramvong
Social circle dance performed at celebrations; blends traditional and modern movements.
Ramthai
Classical Lao court dance depicting Ramayana epic; features slow, graceful movements.
Morlam
Traditional Lao folk performance incorporating song, speech, and dance movements.