Four Creative Ways Traditional Asian Dance Is Being Used To Promote Social Distancing and Hygiene

In response to the coronavirus outbreak, traditional Asian dancers have promoted social distancing and hygiene — in creative and ingenious ways. 

Some of the videos contain a dose of levity, such as those from India and Indonesia, while others, such as the piece from Thailand, convey a deep poignancy. The videos are stunning examples of the superb skill and artistry of a new generation of young dancers. 

Here are a few examples:

India

This video from Kerala State in southern India, produced for Ergo Consulting's "Break the Chain" campaign, juxtaposes a modern young man learning proper hand washing techniques with a Kathakali dance storyteller:

Indonesia

In this video, produced by Keraton Yogyakarta, palace dancers perform a classical dance, replete with "traditional" hand sanitizing: 

And in this video, produced by the culture bureau in Yogyakarta, the Ramayana love duet between Rama and Sita is suddenly interrupted by Rama’s younger brother, Laksmana, who comes between the lovers to remind them to wash their hands and practice social distancing: 

Thailand 

Finally, from northern Thailand comes this poignant piece by Lanna dancer Ronnarong Khampha that portrays coming together in a time of social distancing. He challenged fellow dancers to film themselves performing Lanna dance at home alone. The work, “Dance From home” has become a crowd-sourced fundraiser for local hospitals: