Southern Thai dance form ‘nora’ gets Unesco heritage status

NARATHIWAT, Thailand: Dancers moved gracefully in a circle, their beaded dress pieces swaying as they struck bird-like poses in a dance-drama known as “nora” — a southern Thai performance art which was added Wednesday to UNESCO’s prestigious heritage list.

The dramatic art form — combining dancing, singing and storytelling — has roots in India, and has been practized in Thailand’s Muslim-majority southernmost provinces for centuries.

Performances are usually a dramatic retelling of the tale of a local prince who tries to rescue Manora…