My First Thai Dance

Last Friday I attended my first Thai dance. In fact, it was the first young single adult activity I have attended in a foreign language. My time living overseas as a kid, missionary and summer intern, I have always been with the English speakers and never with the local YSA members.

This Friday, however, it was all different. Puk, the unofficial leader of the YSA here in Bangkok informed everyone in our English speaking ward that there was going to be a Thai YSA dance put on by the stake. At the last minute, however, everyone else had other plans and I was the only one from our ward that decided to attend the Thai branch.

As I traveled on the subway toward the dance, I was intrigued. What kind of music would they play at the dance? Would there be traditional Thai music? Would people be really dressed up or would jeans suffice? Would there be any ballroom or swing dancing (like in Beijing)?

I arrived at the dance and found myself completely surrounded by non-English speakers. I couldn't even say "I am here for the dance." Instead I motioned that I wanted to start dancing and they gave me a paper pass, had me sign a roll and then allowed me to the cultural hall. The dance was well lit, and refreshments like spring rolls, pork buns and other finger foods lined the tables. The dress varied widely; some wore dress shirts and slacks while others imply danced in a T-shirt and jeans. Contrary to my earlier assumptions there was no slow or sing-songy Thai traditional music. Rather, there were some rock bands and a few rap songs--all from American artists. The dance consisted of a very long fast dance, with people forming small circles and taking turns to dance in the middle of the circle, much like at stake dances in the States.

Although it was rather awkward at first (I couldn't communicate because I don't know Thai) I did find a couple people who spoke some Thai and we made conversation while we were there. Towards the end a live band of LDS singles came on the stage and sang American songs that were hits in the U.S. a couple of years ago.

As I left the dance, I was surprised at how the dance was much like dances in the States. Except for the spring rolls and Thai speakers, I would have thought I was at a regular stake dance in high school.