Bhutan famous dance

Bhutan the land of the thunder dragon is a mysterious landlocked country surrounded by the Himalayas. Along with its magical picturesque landscape, it is quite famous for its traditional dances, music, and songs.

The dance of any country represents its language, art, and cultural values. Just like other countries, Bhutan has its unique type and style of dance. So, whenever you get a chance to visit this amazing country, don’t forget to experience some of Bhutan’s famous dances.

Bhutan’s dances are linked to their religious beliefs and historical events. Therefore, they hold a special place in their lives. Besides this, they do not just dance to win any prize or to entertain their audience but they dance for their own joy and pleasure.

In this article, I am going to highlight some of Bhutan’s famous dances and how they are distinct and unique from the entire world. So, without wasting any time; let’s dig into the traditional dances of this mysterious landlocked country.

History of Bhutan Traditional Dance- Cham:

Cham dance is the traditional dance of Bhutan. It was originated back in the 8th century by the Padmasambhava who has a major role in bringing Tantric Buddhism to Bhutan. Since then, this lively and vibrant dance has been performed during Tshechu which is the Bhutanese annual traditional festival.

Moreover, Cham dance includes many other masked dances which are performed by wearing attractive and vibrant color costumes. These dances are usually performed by using laymen and monks. Besides this, one person in each dance group is appointed as a leader whose responsibility is to play the instrument which is called the cymbal.

As these dances portray the life of Padmasambhava they are performed as a token of respect for Buddhism and its saints.

Following are the Cham Dance parts:

1. Joenpa Legso:

In the Bhutanese language, Joenpa Legso means “welcome”. In other words, it is a welcome dance of Bhutanese. Hence, it is performed at the inauguration of any special event or occasion to bless the spectators and the entire occasion with good luck and charm.

Moreover, while performing this dance both the men and women dress up in their stunning traditional attires. The female dancers usually wear “tego”, “kira” and, “wonju” whereas the male dancers wear “gho” and “tsholham”.

Also, the way dancers perform this amazing Bhutan dance is just beyond explanation as it catches the attention of every single person present in the crowd.

2. Drametse Nga Cham:

It is one of the most famous Bhutan dances. In Bhutan, the meaning of Drametse Nga Cham dance is “mask dance of the drums from Drametse”. This dance got its name after a small village “Drametse” located in eastern Bhutan where it was first originated. The dancers while wearing masks perform this dance with the drums.

In addition, the Drametse festival is held twice a year and this dance is the major part of this event. Drametse Nga Cham chance is a group effort of 10 musicians and 16 male dancers who team up so well to make this dance hit.

While performing this dance, dancers wear different vibrant colored silk robs and wooden animal masks whereas the musicians play “Rim” which means “cymbals”, “Dung” which means “trumpets”, and, “Nga” which means “drums”.

Actually, Nga is played in three various styles. “Lang Nga” which is a cylindrical hand drum, “Bang Nga” which is a large cylindrical drum, and “Nga Chen” which a drum played with the help of drumsticks.

These musical instruments along with the brilliant dances fascinate the audience a lot. Drametse Nga Cham dance is part of Bhutanese heritage for the last 5 centuries. Although it was first introduced in Drametse, now it is performed in almost the whole Bhutan.

3. Pa Cham

Pa Cham Dance is the dance of “Powas” which mean heroes and “Pams” which mean heroines. The dancers perform this dance by wearing vibrant colored silk robes along with beautifully embellished crowns. Moreover, while dancing; they also carry small cylindrical hand drums.

Since Pa Cham Dance is performed in the loving memory of Guru Rinpoche, it beholds major importance in Tshechus.

4. Zhungdra

Zhungdra dance is considered to be one of the oldest Bhutanese dance which was introduced in the early Buddhist saints. Also, it is one of the highly composed dances and is displayed in courtrooms, monasteries, and dzongs.

Moreover, women displaying this dance stand in a row and wear traditional attires and handwoven scarf which is also known as Rachu.

Since this dance is very religious to Bhutanese, it is performed in a perfect slow rhythm without any rapid movements.

5. Boedra:

Boedra is another Bhutan’s royal courtroom dance that is performed by a group of men and women in a circle. However, sometimes it is individually performed by the men and women.

Interestingly, the audience can’t guess which dance step they are going to witness next as this dance is not based on any order and is performed in accordance with the rhythm of the song.

As a matter of fact initially, Boedra was just a song performance and dance steps were added later.

Preaching Cham Dance:

Royal Academy of Performing Arts (RAPA) was established in 1954 to promote traditional Bhutan dances. The purpose of this institute is to preserve its cultural heritage by training young dancers.

Moreover, this academy not only promotes dances but also traditional songs by teaching them to the budding musicians.

6 Other Bhutan’s Famous Dance

1. Layab Dance:

Layab is a traditional dance of nomadic herders who reside in the western high altitudes. As they keep on migrating, rearing Yak is their source of income and living.

2. Yak Cham Dance:

It is another traditional dance of the nomadic people who live in the east of Bhutan. Nomads usually perform this dance in the honor of their local goddess — Aum Jomo

3. Archery Dance

As the national game of Bhutan is archery, this dance holds special importance for them. While the team plays, dancers perform this dance and cheer them up.

4. Doyab Dance

This is one of Bhutan’s oldest dance which is originated from a village called Dorokha.

5. Tashi Tashi Dance

Tashi Tashi is performed at the end of each performance and everyone is invited to be a part of it.

6. Dramnyen Dance

Dramnyen Dance is supposed to be done when the instrument is played by Drakini Lhamo Yangchenma. During the performance, 4 dancers represent the 4 directions and pay their honor to Drakini Goddess.

Conclusion:

To conclude, Bhuatnese not only performs these colorful and vibrant dances to express their emotions but also to pay respect and honor to their saints and cultural heritage.