Mr Ounla Phaoudom during a dance performance.

Dancer promotes development of Lao dance forms

Renowned dancer Ounla Phaoudom says he set up a dance company and studio in order to promote the development of Lao dance forms.
While providing an update on his work and career during an interview at the XYX Art and Culture Centre last week, he said he took this step after joining numerous performances and participating in dance competitions within and outside Laos.
Besides being the co-founder of Fanglao Dance Company and Fanglao Dance Studio, he designed performances with many dance styles, especially hip hop and contemporary. He also designed performances by Fanglao.
Mr Ounla said the use of the name Fanglao started in 2006, when the dancers Ole Khamchanla and Noutnapha Soydala came together for performances.
After performing many times inside Laos and in other countries, he was inspired to set up a dance company and studio in Laos to develop the field of dancing and dance forms.
He also discussed with Ole Khamchanla and Noutnapha Soydala how to take forward the art of dancing. 
“It was challenging to establish Fanglao Dance Company and Fanglao Dance Studio, as our country did not have a professional company to teach dance performances. But I had a dream of creating something new in dancing and I took the initiative and established Fanglao Dance Company and Fanglao Dance Studio,” he said.
Soon after, many people, especially youngsters and foreigners, showed interest in dancing and dance forms. “Dancing can be a job,” he said.
He appreciated the fact that he could overcome all his struggles and pressures and make Fanglao Dance Company and Fanglao Dance Studio a place to learn dancing. “They act as a link for creating jobs and careers in the field of dancing, and they helped develop dancing in Laos,” he said.

By Sisouphan Amphonephong
(Latest Update July 20, 2022)