For more than four decades, the Royal Academy of Performing Arts (RAPA) has been preserving the traditional songs and dances of the country. The Academy was established in 1954 to train the masked dancers.
Phub Wangmo, 22, from Yebesa in Punakha is one of the trainee Dancers at the Royal Academy of Performing Arts. The Academy trains young dancers and musicians in both religious and secular folk music and dance. Phub Wangmo was one of the 28 youth selected from more than 60 applicants, last year. “I was interested in singing and dancing since my childhood,” said Phub Wangmo.
There are certain criteria, such as basic skills of the art and the height of the applicants, to be able to get an admission in RAPA.
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People think professional dancers behave in indecent ways, which is completely untrue. We are part of the academy put in place to preserve our culture.”
Sangay Wangmo
Teacher,
RAPA
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During her first year in the Academy, Phub Wangmo has to learn 50 Boedra and 10 Zhungdra songs. In a four-year-training, she has to learn a total of 330 traditional boedra and Zhungdra songs including the dance steps.
During the training period, the female trainees are not allowed to marry. However, there is rules does not saying anything when it comes to male trainees.
After four years of rigorous training, the trainees will be referred to as the professional dancers.
The female professional dancers will have to serve RAPA till the age of 35 and male dancers till the age of 40.
When the professional dancers resign from RAPA, they are entitled a gratuity of maximum Nu.30,000 as per the circular from the finance ministry in 1985.
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RAPA dancers perform during annual Thimphu Tshechu
They also perform at the official events
They represent Bhutan during cultural events abroad
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The Principal of RAPA, Ugen Tenzin, said they have submitted a proposal to the Home and Cultural Affairs Ministry for an entitlement of Para regular to Civil Service.
Meanwhile, the Department of Culture with the concern agencies is in the process of drafting the National Intangible Culture Bill. “The legal framework will help preserve and promote intangible culture,” said one of the officials from the Department of Culture.
The bill will be submitted to the next government for deliberation in the parliament.
