Luan Kwantam: The Birth of Thai Ballroom Dance

Abstract

During the reign of King Rama V, music for ballroom dancing spread throughout Thailand, and it continued to gain popularity during the late reign of King Rama VI, a period when music and dance thrived. But it was the state policy of the government of Prime Minister Plaek Phibunsongkhram that marked a turning point for this musical form. During his regime, he encouraged people to learn Western musical forms and western entertainment, which led to an increase in dance bands and ballroom dance music compositions. 
Luan Kwantam started to compose music with taloong rhythm in 1961 by imitating the rhythm of the music shadow of the South. He collaborated with the Association of Ballroom Dance to create taloong dance steps for competition. Later, other composers would compose many songs using taloong tempo. In particular, a song sung by Lerd Prasomsup became very popular.
The first taloong tempo song Luan Kwantam composed was titled “Taloong Tempo.” He was inspired by the rhythmic pattern of taloong song (the traditional song of Thailand) together with the Thai traditional song melody Sri Thammarat Thao. His song embodied the traditional identity of Thai culture.