Pichet Klunchun

FOUNDER/DANCER/CHOREOGRAPHER, KLUNCHUN DANCE COMPANY

Industry : The Arts

Classically trained in Khon masked dance, National Artist Pichet gained international reputation for bringing traditional Thai dance into the 21st century, making it relevant to modern sensibilities. He first gained prominence for his performance at the Asian Games ceremony in Bangkok in 1998 but felt constrained by the rigidity of the old dance school. Consequently, he left government service to chart his own artistic direction. His dance training in the US, facilitated by an Asian Cultural Council fellowship, significantly broadened his horizons. In 2004, he founded the Pichet Klunchun Dance Company, performing both in Thailand and on international stages. In 2008, he was honoured with the European Cultural Foundation''s Princess Margriet Award for his collaborative piece with dancer Jerome Bel titled ''Pichet Klunchun and Myself.'' Over the last 20 years, he has dedicated himself to deconstructing the 59 key postures of Thai classical dance. From this exercise, he derived six key elements complete with diagrams and notations, collectively known as “No.60.” This innovative approach offers a new perspective on classical dance knowledge. As a solo artist, his performances have embraced painting and digital art, showcasing his commitment to continuous evolution.