U Shwe Yoe & Daw Moe
The U Shwe Yoe and Daw Moe Dance is one of Myanmar’s most beloved comedic traditional dances, known for its humor, liveliness, and crowd entertainment. It is often performed at festivals, weddings, and charity events, especially during Thingyan (Water Festival).
Characters
U Shwe Yoe (ဦးရွှေရိုး)
- A funny and joyful elderly man with:
- Big mustache
- Traditional turban (gaung baung)
- Thummy longyi tied with a comical twist
- Carries a pathein umbrella (colorful umbrella)
- Known for his funny facial expressions, hand twirls, and hip shakes.
Daw Moe (ဒေါ်မိုး)
- A comical old lady character portrayed with:
- A traditional htamain
- Exaggerated makeup (usually a male dancer dressed as a woman)
- She chases or flirts with U Shwe Yoe, adding to the humor
Dance Style
- Reflects courtly romance, respect, and grace rather than passion.
- Sometimes used to teach etiquette, as it demonstrates polite behavior between young men and women.
Music
- Performed with lively traditional tunes, drums, cymbals, and bamboo clappers.
- The beat is fast and joyful, encouraging audience participation.
Cultural Significance
- Represents goodwill, humor, and unity in communities.
- Highlights Myanmar’s love for comedy, social joy, and festive spirit.
- Used in donation ceremonies, pagoda festivals, and especially during Thingyan.
Fun Facts
- The character of U Shwe Yoe was created by Burmese comedian U Ba Galay in the 1920s.
- It became so popular that it turned into a national dance style, with Daw Moe later added as his comic partner.
