by

Cambodia Dance

People in Cambodia use dance to show the divine power, celebrate the social events, and create laughter in daily life. Cambodian dance can be divided into three different categories: Khmer Classical Dance, Folk Dance, and Vernacular Dance.

Khmer Classical Dance:

This form of dance is also known by a name in English called “Royal Ballet of Cambodia”, and it is listed in UNESCO’s Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2008. This dance was performed only for royalty meaning  the “dances of royal wealth”.

Khmer classical dance is believed to derive from Indian court dance, which traces its origins to the apsaras(see pic1) of Hindu mythology, heavenly female nymphs who were born to dance for the gods. The traditions of Thailand and Java (in Indonesia) also influenced the music and dance of Cambodia.

Depiction of apsaras dancing, Temple Bayon, 12th century, in the city of Angkor Thom

Pic1: Depiction of apsaras dancing, Temple Bayon, 12th century, in the city of Angkor Thom

Over the history of Cambodia, role of Royal Palace’s dancers have become symbols of the King’s prestige. After the signing of the 1863 Protectorate Treaty, the French, who among many other things controlled the country’s finances, tried to reduce the number of palace dancers in order to lessen the King’s prestige. In the 1930s, the French subsidized the private troupe of Princess Wongat Say Sangvann, which performed for tourists, calling it the “one and only true” troupe. But after King Norodom Sihanouk acceded to the throne in 1941, his mother Queen Sisowath Kossamak found ways to reestablish the royal troupe’s ascendancy. In support of her son, Queen Kossamak transformed performances so that the royal troupe could best serve Cambodia’s image nationally and abroad. She shortened the length of the dance programs, had pure dance pieces followed by dramatic or comic works, and added musical interludes.

However, the tradition of dance, last for over a millennium, was almost lost in the Cambodian genocide, when the Khmer Rouge targeted those involved in the dance and “imposed a massive cultural forgetting”. Khmer classical dance suffered a huge blow during the Khmer Rouge regime when many dancers were killed because classical dance was thought as of an aristocratic institution. Although 90 percent of all Cambodian classical artists perished between 1975 and 1979 after the fall of the Khmer Rouge, those who did survive wandered out from hiding, found one another, and formed “colonies” in order to revive their sacred traditions.*

*(Reference: Earth in Flower – The Divine Mystery of the Cambodian Dance Drama by Paul Cravath)

Khmer classical dancers use silent movements and gestures to tell a story. Dancers do not speak or sing; they dance with a slight smile and never open their mouths.(see pic2) Khmer classical dance can be compared to French ballet in that it requires years of practice and stretching at a young age so the limbs become very flexible.

silent movement

Pic 2:silent movement

In classical Cambodian dance, women, dressed in brightly colored costumes with elaborate headdresses (also see pic2), perform slow, graceful movements accompanied by a percussive ensemble known as the pinpeat. Pinpeat orchestras include drums, gongs, and bamboo xylophones. (see pic3)

Pinpeat orchestras

Pic3: Pinpeat orchestras

The way Khmer classical dance communicate with audience is very complicated. Different position of the arm and the position of the hand relative to the arm can also express different meaning. Besides hand gestures are gestures which are more specific to their meaning, such as that which is used to represent laughing or flying. These other gestures are performed in different manners depending on which type of character is played.

In addition to the renowned graceful hand gesture(see pic4) and stunning costumes, the Khmer Classical Dance, has been closely associated with the Khmer court for over one thousand years. Performances would traditionally accompany royal ceremonies and observances such as coronations, marriages, funerals or Khmer holidays. This art form is highly cherished by many Cambodians.

Pic4: hand gesture of Khmer Classical Dance

Pic4: hand gesture of Khmer Classical Dance

Infused with a sacred and symbolic role, the dance embodies the traditional values of refinement, respect and spirituality. Its repertory perpetuates the legends associated with the origins of the Khmer people. Consequently, Cambodians have long esteemed this tradition as the emblem of Khmer culture. Four distinct character types exist in the classical repertory: Neang (woman), Neayrong ( man), Yeak (giant), and Sva (monkey). Each possesses distinctive colours, costumes, makeup and masks. An orchestra accompanies the dance, and a female chorus provides a running commentary on the plot, highlighting the emotions mimed by the dancers, who were considered the kings’ messengers to the gods and to the ancestors.

Classical Cambodian Ballet: Apsara

Folk dance:

Folk dances play a role of performing art to entertain the audience. Khmer folk are fast-paced, and the movements and gestures are not as stylized as Khmer classical dance. Folk dances mostly are about love or the story about animals. The dancers wear costumes that portray ordinary people character, such as farmers, peasants, and tribe leaders. The elements of folk dance diversify profoundly by different area and local cultures. The most famous of all, Robam Trot, is mainly performed during the Cambodian New Year. The Dance got its history along a legend about a hunter and deer.

Vernacular dance:

In Cambodia, vernacular dance (or social dance) is the dance performed at social gatherings. Some of these dances are heavily influenced by the traditional dances of Laos. But rom kbach, for example, take heavily from the classical dance of the royal court. Rom kbach is a simple dance which uses hand gesture similar to that of classical dance and rom kbach song also utilize the melodies of classical dance songs and combine them with traditional Khmer and Western instruments.

Other social dances from around the world have had an impact on Cambodian social cultures include the Cha-Cha,Bolero, and the Madison. Such dances are often performed at Cambodian wedding receptions and banquets.

Yosuke and Tan-Chi

24,022 thoughts on “Cambodia Dance”

  10. We are genuinely appreciative for your blog section. You will find a lot of strategies in the wake of setting off to your post. I was exactly checking for. An obligation of appreciation is all together for such post and please keep it up. 카지노보증사이트

  12. 환상적인 토토사이트! 사용자 친화적인 인터페이스, 뛰어난 게임 다양성, 책임감 있는 게임에 중점을 둡니다. 이곳에서 매 순간을 즐겨보세요! 꽁클럽

  22. Best Salesforce Implementation Partner In USA
    In search of the best Salesforce implementation partner in the USA? Your quest ends here. Leveraging extensive expertise, our adept team guarantees a flawlessly orchestrated integration and fine-tuning of Salesforce, aligned precisely with your enterprise requisites. Armed with a history of triumphant implementations, we pledge to elevate your CRM encounter. Rely on us for avant-garde solutions customized to your specifications, propelling your business towards unparalleled pinnacles.

  27. App development involves a series of crucial steps to bring an idea to life. Firstly, thorough planning and research are essential to define the app’s purpose, target audience, and features. Next comes design, where the user interface and user experience are crafted. Development follows, requiring coding, integration of functionalities, and testing for bugs. Quality assurance ensures the app functions smoothly across devices. Deployment involves making the app available on app stores or platforms. After launch, monitoring and user feedback help refine the app through updates.
    https://ansuninternationals.com/blog/app-development/

  31. Great post full of useful tips! My site is fairly new and I am also having a hard time getting my readers to leave comments. Analytics shows they are coming to the site but I have a feeling “nobody wants to be first”. best binary software,

  33. Before initiating the HP wireless printer setup, ensure a few prerequisites are met. First, confirm that your Wi-Fi network is stable and functional. Check if your HP printer is compatible with wireless connectivity. Gather the necessary network information, including the SSID and password. Keep your computer or mobile device ready, with the latest printer drivers and software downloaded from the official HP website. Verify that both printer and device are within the network range.

    https://contactfor-guide.com/how-to-setup-hp-wireless-printer-on-window-10/

  34. Mcafee virus protection employs a multi-layered approach to tackle malware and ransomware threats. It begins with real-time scanning, swiftly identifying and isolating suspicious files. Behavioral analysis is used to detect unusual actions, stopping potential threats in their tracks. In the case of ransomware, Mcafee safeguards valuable files by creating secure backups and monitoring for unauthorized encryption attempts. Regular updates ensure the software remains current against emerging threats. Mcafee’s combination of advanced detection techniques and proactive measures offers robust defense.

    https://mcafee-actvate.com/blog/mcafee-antivirus-protection/

  35. I am always searching online for articles that can help me. There is obviously a lot to know about this. I think you made some good points in Features also. Keep working, great job! 佐敦補習

  36. Completing the Norton com setup involves a few crucial steps. Firstly, visit the official Norton website and sign in to your account or create one if needed. Choose the Norton product you’ve purchased and download the installation file. Run the file and follow on-screen instructions to install the software. During installation, you might need to enter the product key for activation. Once installed, launch the Norton application and configure settings according to your preferences. Perform a full system scan for potential threats.

    https://simplyassist.us/antivirus/norton-setup

  37. When planning a custom PHP development project, several factors warrant careful consideration. Firstly, define the project’s scope and objectives clearly to ensure alignment with your business goals. Understand your target audience and their specific needs to tailor the solution effectively. Evaluate the complexity of required features and functionalities, weighing the trade-offs between innovation and feasibility. Budget constraints, timeline expectations, and available resources must be realistically accounted for. Selecting an experienced development team with a proven track record is crucial for successful execution.

    https://ansuninternationals.com/custom-php-development

  39. The Firefox browser distinguishes itself from other web browsers through its commitment to open-source principles, privacy, and user customization. Unlike some proprietary browsers, Firefox is open-source, allowing developers to contribute to its evolution. It prioritizes user privacy with features like Enhanced Tracking Protection, blocking third-party trackers by default. Firefox emphasizes user control with a wide array of extensions and themes, empowering users to tailor their browsing experience.

    https://simplyassist.us/browser/firefox-browser

  40. PPC advertising offers substantial benefits for businesses seeking targeted online visibility. It provides immediate visibility on search engines and relevant platforms, driving targeted traffic to your website. With precise audience targeting, you can reach potential customers interested in your products or services. The pay-per-click model ensures you only pay when users engage with your ads, making it cost-effective. Additionally, PPC campaigns are highly measurable, enabling you to track performance and optimize strategies in real-time.

    https://ansuninternationals.com/blog/ppc-advertising/

  41. Hello I’m Anny Perry . I’m a 123hp printer Hp envy 5055 printerTo access the most recent HP Envy 5055 Printer driver, visit the official HP website. Navigate to the “Support” section and enter your printer model (HP Envy 5055) and operating system. The website will then display a list of available drivers compatible with your system. Make sure to select the latest driver version for optimal performance and compatibility. Additionally, you can use the HP Smart app, which often offers driver updates.

  42. “Such a captivating read! 🌟 The intricate artistry and cultural significance of Cambodia’s traditional dance are beautifully portrayed in this article. I’ve always been fascinated by how dance can be a window into a nation’s history and emotions. The way this article delves into the different dance forms, like the elegant Apsara and the energetic Romvong, truly highlights the diversity of Cambodian culture. The writer’s attention to detail and the historical context provided make it a truly enriching experience for anyone interested in world cultures. Personally, I’m now inspired to learn more about Cambodia’s dance heritage and its role in preserving the nation’s identity. Kudos to the author for shedding light on this mesmerizing aspect of Cambodia’s artistic tapestry! 👏🕺💃 #CambodianCulture #ArtisticHeritage”

    dunialiterasi

  46. If you’re seeking the optimal means to convey your appreciation, we present you with complimentaryThank you cards that can be signed by numerous individuals across the globe.

  49. Great post full of useful tips! My site is fairly new and I am also having a hard time getting my readers to leave comments. Analytics shows they are coming to the site but I have a feeling “nobody wants to be first”. 英文補習

  50. When it comes to the Escort Services, different people might have different preferences. Some might be looking for an outcall service. At the same time, others might prefer incall services. In the case of the outcall services, the escort usually meets the client at his house or hotel room. On the other hand, in the case of the incall services, the meeting will be arranged at the house of the escort. Now, if you are curious to find out what are the best Call Girls in Connaught Place, then please keep on reading.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *