Gentle Thai Dance: Movement, Calm & Wellbeing
by Ammerry Salisbury
In today’s fast-paced world, many of us are searching for simple ways to reconnect with ourselves — to slow down, breathe, and find moments of calm within our daily lives. For me, this journey has been shaped by Thai classical dance, a tradition I have practised since the age of 13, and one that continues to guide both my artistic and personal path.
Thai classical dance is often recognised for its beauty, precision, and intricate form. However, beyond performance, it holds a deeper quality — a sense of softness, awareness, and connection between breath and movement. Over time, I began to explore how these qualities could be adapted into a more accessible and gentle practice, leading to the development of Gentle Thai Dance: Movement, Calm & Wellbeing.
This approach is not performance-based. It does not focus on achieving perfect shapes or technical accuracy. Instead, it draws on the essence of Thai movement — its flow, rhythm, and expressive quality — to support relaxation, awareness, and balance. The aim is to create a space where movement feels natural, unforced, and deeply connected to the body.
At the heart of this practice is the concept of “Lom” — the flow of breath and inner energy. In Thai understanding, every movement begins with the breath. When we move slowly and gently, the breath begins to flow more naturally, and the body responds with ease. This creates a sense of calm, grounding, and inner awareness that can be felt both physically and emotionally.
In Gentle Thai Dance, each movement is guided by this connection. A simple lifting of the arm, a soft circular motion, or a delicate hand gesture becomes an opportunity to notice the breath, release tension, and reconnect with the body. The movements are intentionally slow and mindful, allowing participants to focus on sensation rather than form.
One of the most important aspects of this practice is accessibility. It is suitable for people of all ages and requires no prior experience. Movements can be adapted to suit individual needs and can be practised either standing or seated. This flexibility allows the practice to be shared in a wide range of settings, from community workshops to care homes, where gentle, inclusive movement can have a meaningful impact.
Through my work across the UK, I have had the opportunity to bring this approach into diverse environments — from cultural festivals and public performances to small group wellbeing sessions. In care settings, in particular, I have seen how even the simplest movements can bring moments of joy, calm, and connection. Participants often respond not to the complexity of the movement, but to its softness and the feeling it creates.
This has shaped my understanding of dance not only as an art form, but as a way of supporting wellbeing. Movement becomes less about how it looks, and more about how it feels. It becomes a shared experience — something that connects people across cultures, backgrounds, and abilities.
At the same time, this practice remains deeply rooted in Thai cultural heritage. The gestures, flow, and qualities of movement are inspired by traditional Thai dance, but adapted with care to ensure they are accessible and relevant in contemporary contexts. In this way, Gentle Thai Dance becomes a bridge — honouring tradition while opening it to new forms of expression and understanding.
My hope is that this work continues to create spaces where people can experience movement in a gentle, supportive way — spaces where cultural art forms can contribute to wellbeing, connection, and everyday life.
In a world that often asks us to move quickly, there is something powerful in choosing to move slowly, to breathe, and to simply be present.
About the Author
Ammerry Salisbury is a Thai classical dance artist and cultural practitioner based in the United Kingdom. She began her training in Thai classical dance at the age of 13 and has developed extensive experience across classical, folk, and ceremonial performance.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Fine and Applied Arts (Photography), a Master’s degree in Communication Arts, and a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), and is currently furthering her artistic development through acting training at Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London.
Her work explores the connection between Thai classical movement and wellbeing, and she is the creator of Gentle Thai Dance: Movement, Calm & Wellbeing, an accessible practice designed to support calm, awareness, and physical and emotional wellbeing.