Dances are vital to the religious and social life of Bhutan. They are performed at their festivals or Tshechus and portray spiritual teachings, tell stories of their history, and honor their deities. We were fortunate to be there during the king’s birthday celebration and saw some of the dances performed by the students at the school we visited.
Joenpa Legso Dance (Welcome Dance)
This dance, as the name suggests, is a welcome dance performed at the beginning of events or special occasions. Both men and women partake in this dance, wearing their traditional attire.
Drametse Nga Cham Dance (Religious Mask Dance)
This dance comes from a small village in eastern Bhutan. It is a highlight of the Drametse Festival, performed by a group of 16 male dancers and 10 musicians. The dancers wear masks and colorful silk robes, while the musicians play instruments like trumpets, cymbals, and drums.
The costumes and masks worn by the dancers represent various deities, demons, and animals. The dance is considered a form of meditation and is believed to purify the environment, ward off evil spirits, and bring blessings.
Pa Cham Dance (The Dance of Powas and Pams)
The Pa Cham dance is also known as the “Dance of Powas (heroes) and Pams (heroines).” Dancers wear colorful silk robes and crowns while carrying small cylindrical hand drums. This dance is a ritual honoring Guru Rinpoche, performed during Tshechus.
Zhungdra Dance
The Zhungdra dance is considered one of the oldest in Bhutan, with its origins tracing back to early Buddhist saints. It is performed in various settings, including courtrooms, dzongs, and monasteries. Female dancers wear traditional attire and rachu (a hand-woven scarf). The dance is regarded as an offering to the gods.
Tashi Tashi Dance (Farewell Dance)
The Tashi Tashi Dance is a lively and joyous closing dance performed at the end of a festival. Everyone is invited to join in, bringing a sense of unity and closure to the occasion. the participants form a circle and dance in unison. Marking the end of the festival, it symbolizes unity, peace, and prosperity, sending participants home with blessings
These dances are spiritual practices and reflect Bhutan’s deep-rooted Buddhist beliefs and the country’s unique cultural identity. There are several others that come from various regions of the country. All of them convey a mixture of Buddhist and regional customs.
