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Aung Bala

1883 – 1913

Burmese dancer during British colonial era

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About Aung Bala

Lived 1883 – 1913 (aged 30). Aung Bala was a dancer.

Aung Bala (, ; 1883 – 1913) was an influential Burmese dancer during the early British colonial era of Burma. He was especially famous for playing female lead roles. He is said to have been the only male artist in the Burmese dramatic arts industry who could perfectly perform as a female dancer.

Early life and career Aung Bala, the youngest of four siblings, was born on 18 February 1883 in Hsinpyukyun, Magwe Region to U Lu Gyi, a puppeteer, and Me Pwint. His father died when he was six years old. He developed an interest in singing and dancing, and learned traditional dance from his uncle while he was a student, with his mother's permission.

Years later he became popular in the Hsinpyukyun area, performing at the local yein (choreographed group dance). He studied under Ma Htwe Lay in Mandalay and was the first to dance in the styles known as Toke Kyoe and three-timing (စည်းသုံးကြိုး ဝါးသုံးကြိုး).

Death and legacy

Aung Bala died on 22 November 1913 in Mandalay. The British government honored him with a cannon salute at his funeral.

The Aung Bala mont , a Burmese-style rice pancake topped with syrup, is named in honor of Aung Bala, as is a style of tin box.

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Important facts

Birth century
Occupation
Nationality
Demographics of Burma

People in Aung Bala's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Aung Bala's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Aung Bala?

Burmese dancer during British colonial era

When was Aung Bala born?

Aung Bala was born on 18 February 1883 in Magway Region.

When did Aung Bala die?

Aung Bala died on 22 November 1913.

What was Aung Bala's occupation?

Aung Bala was a dancer.

What nationality was Aung Bala?

Aung Bala's recorded nationality: Demographics of Burma.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Aung Bala

· Wikidata: Q19739390

· DBpedia: Aung Bala

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Aung Bala. https://biography.guide/aung-bala/

MLA: "Aung Bala." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/aung-bala/.

Chicago: "Aung Bala." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/aung-bala/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-22 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

Portrait: Wikimedia Commons · author & licence

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