Thread: Pretty girls yes, Pretty Girls no

Coyote dancers blame imposters for criticism

WASSAYOS NGAMKHAM
Coyote dancers have blamed "fake" racy dancing during a religious ceremony for criticism of their job.

Many dancers in Bangkok insist their work does not offend morality because they usually dance in bars. They say the problem is caused by some organisers exploiting the sexy shows to promote products at inappropriate areas.

"Those are not coyote dancers like us. We know what kind of jobs we should accept or reject," said Yok, 25.

She was referring to a group of girls in sexy clothes who danced provocatively to promote motorcycle sales in Nong Khai province. The dancing drew strong criticism as it was held near a temple during a religious ceremony to mark the end of Buddhist Lent in October. The show upset Her Majesty the Queen and as soon as her concern was made known, state agencies led by the Culture Ministry considered imposing restrictions on coyote dancing. Culture Minister Khaisri Sri-aroon will today unveil the outcome of a meeting between officials and private companies on state initiatives to set a minimum age for dancers and introduce strict controls on the dancing.

Yok and other dancers have joined a chorus of voices calling on the government to differentiate between dancers working in pubs and bars and those dancing at inappropriate venues. "Those dancing in the temple are fake," she said.

However, most dancers agree with the idea of setting a minimum age for dancers, which should be in line with a law that does not allow teenagers under the age of 20 to enter discotheques.

Coyote dancing has become a big hit since 2000, following the release of the popular American film Coyote Ugly.

The film depicts the lives of female bartenders who perform erotic dancing in a New York bar.

In real life, Yok says, it is not easy to become a coyote dancer. She spent two years studying dancing before becoming a coyote dancer. Others have also worked hard to become good dancers.

But they are rewarded for their efforts as they can earn a lot of money from dancing to support their studies and families. Yok earns 20,000 baht a month while Wave, 21, makes nearly 30,000 baht.

This is a key reason why they have asked the government to carefully consider restrictions on coyote dancing. The impact would not be limited to them, but could extend to their families.

Wave is saving money for her undergraduate studies. Each month she also has to give some of her earnings to her family. The inappropriate coyote dancing in Nong Khai also upset her as she fears it could lead to the end of her career.

"I don't think coyote dancing spoils girls," Wave said. "Most of us return home after work."
However, Pol Maj-Gen Kamronwit Toopkrachang, chief of the Crimes Against Children, Juveniles and Women Suppression Division, has warned the dancers and organisers to beware of outdoor shows that may break the law on public lewdness and could put the dancers, clad in short, tight outfits, in danger.

bangkok post