In the learning spaces of VERSO International School, an inspiring story of mentorship and cultural preservation is unfolding. Sila (Marco) Wattanagool, a G9 learner, and Katasiri (Pokpong) Limsila, in Early Years 4, are linked by their shared passion for Khon, the traditional Thai masked dance that dates back hundreds of years and which is based on the tales of the epic Ramakien (Thai adaptation of Indian Hindu epic Ramayana), celebrating the triumph of good over evil, and the power of love and loyalty.

Marco's journey with Khon began at age 10 when it was a mandatory class in his previous Thai primary school. Despite an initially embarrassing performance, Marco was determined to improve. Six years later, he's not only mastered the intricate dance form but has also become an inspiration to others. 

When asked about his most memorable Khon performance, Marco recalled a special event in December 2023 in Vietnam.

"After a successful solo performance earlier that year, I was invited back, but this time I brought along three novice members from my Khon club," he explains. "We spent months rigorously training together, pushing our limits to ensure we could perform as a cohesive unit. The experience not only resulted in a performance I'm truly proud of but also forged new friendships. It was incredibly rewarding to see how our collective hard work paid off on an international stage," he said.

Last year, Marco performed Khon at the Royal Thai Armed Forces Day celebration at the Royal Thai Embassy in Hanoi, Vietnam and recalled that it was one of his most memorable performances

"Khon requires strength, precision, and patience," Marco explains. "It has greatly improved my mentality and ability to stay still. I've learned to become more aware of everything around me, including myself. I have also gained strength and endurance from countless hours of training.”

"I learned about the importance of collaboration from being in the sports team at VERSO. You have to learn to collaborate and connect with everyone in the dance troupe and that is important when performing Khon," he further elaborated.

Little did Marco know that his dance and dedication would spark a flame in young Pokpong. Khun Khemlaphat, Pokpong's mother, recounts how her son was awestruck watching Marco perform during one of the school's Songkran celebrations. "He started researching Khon dance himself, using voice search on the internet on my mobile phone," she shared.

While Marco continues to refine his skills, he's unknowingly taken on a new role: that of a mentor. Five-year-old Pokpong, captivated by Marco's performances, has begun to see him as a role model in the world of Khon.

"Marco is like his idol," Khun Khemlaphat revealed, her eyes twinkling with pride. This unexpected mentorship highlights the power of peer inspiration, as Pokpong strives to emulate Marco's dedication and skill. Despite the age gap, their shared passion for Khon has created a unique bond, with Pokpong following in Marco's graceful footsteps, quite literally. 

Above: Pokpong (left), captivated by Marco's performances, has begun to see him as a role model in the world of Khon

Below: Marco and Pokpong with dancers from Marco's Khon club during the Songkran celebrations at school this year

"I learned about the importance of collaboration from being in the sports team at VERSO. You have to learn to collaborate and connect with everyone in the dance troupe and that is important when performing Khon"

-MARCO, G9

Pokpong's interest quickly blossomed into a passion. Now, at just five years old, he attends private Khon classes every Saturday and has already performed in numerous venues across Bangkok and other provinces. "He used to be a shy boy, but Khon dance has transformed him," Khun Khemlaphat notes. "He's become more confident, tolerant, has high self-esteem, and is proud of himself."

 Pokpong gets ready to perform at the National Museum Bangkok

The impact of Marco's inadvertent mentorship goes beyond just inspiration. It has created a ripple effect, touching not only Pokpong but also his family as his mom found herself delving into the rich history and traditions of Khon to support her son's interest.

For Marco, knowing he has inspired a younger learner brings a sense of responsibility. "It feels unreal," he admits. "I've been trying to find others like me at VERSO for over three years, and suddenly, I wasn't expecting one like this."

Marco (right) performs at VERSO during the Songkran celebrations

Both boys are now on parallel journeys, albeit at different stages.

Marco is preparing for national auditions, aspiring to reach a "world-class" level and perhaps one day perform alongside professionals. He also admires Canadian Khon dancer Benjamin Tardif.

Meanwhile, Pokpong, with only 20+ classes under his belt, is already impressing Khon masters with his performances. Khun Khemlaphat added that she once overheard him telling someone that he is in love with Thai traditions and he has also shown interest in playing Thai instruments," she added with pride, acknowledging that few children his age take such interest.

Pokpong performed at this year's Diplomatic Bazaar held in June at Siam Paragon shopping mall

Their stories highlight how traditional art forms like Khon can bridge generations and preserve cultural heritage. Marco and Pokpong embody the VERSO DNA of personal and cultural identity, using their passion for Khon to connect with their Thai roots while developing crucial life skills like collaboration, creativity, and effective communication.

Marco and Pokpong embody the VERSO DNA of personal and cultural identity, using their passion for Khon to connect with their Thai roots while developing crucial life skills like collaboration, creativity, and effective communication.

As these two young dancers continue their Khon journeys, they're not just performing an ancient art form – they're keeping a vital piece of Thai culture alive for future generations. Their dedication serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving traditions in our rapidly changing world.

While Marco continues to refine his skills in Khon, he's unknowingly taken on a new role: that of a mentor

Pokpong: Keeping Thai culture alive through the traditional Khon dance