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

22,086 thoughts on “Cambodia Dance”

  1. 정품비아그라 시알리스 온라인약국 구매|구입 고객만족도1의 비아그라구입, 비아그라가격, 비아그라효능, 정품비아그라,시알리스. 100%수입산 정품입니다 절대로 국내이서는 구하지 못하는 미국,우럽,캐나다,인도 등 나라에서 판매하는 정품만 취급합니다. 가장 저렴하고 합리적인 가격 어디서도 찾아볼수 없는 신제품들!!! 모든제품 1개 구매시 1개 더 드립니다!!!

  2. For college students, watching movies is a hobby to do to get rid of the boredom that plagues the boarding house. But if your wallet isn’t thick, you can’t watch a good movie in the cinema. Not to mention the busy college assignments and postgraduate studies that make college kids don’t have time to go to the cinema. Yes, I had to find a pirated one. If you buy a DVD, you have to spend money too. Well, it’s better if the streaming is free, you don’t have to pay for it anyway. Make sure your boarding house’s wifi is fast
    But it must be remembered, guys, piracy is not at all good and not cool because it does not respect those who have made the film. Yes, but if you’re willing to keep watching, just pretend. Now, instead of reading the long article from CinemaKeren21 , just check it out!

  3. FILM21KU Nonton Film Streaming Movie IndoXXI Rebahin Dunia21 Layarkaca21 Bioskop Cinema 21 Box Office Layarkaca21 Filmapik Pusatfilm21 IDLIX Savefilm21

  4. KAWAN21 adalah situs Download Streaming Film Movie Indonesia Drama Korea, Nonton Film Online Bioskop Keren XX1 Dunia21 INDOXXI Online Cinema21 Indoxxi

  6. Thanks for the nice blog. It was very useful for me. I’m happy I found this blog.
    Thank you for sharing with us,I too always learn something new from your post e juice online store.

    Also visit my web site …마마카지노

  9. Wedding Photographer that care about your wedding, your plans, your ideas, I care about everything which can turn your day into a dream. Your preparations will start a long time before your day, mine as well, that’s why I believe having someone alongside you to help with all these it’s just a bonus. But what I care about the most is what you’ll be left with after your wedding.
    package wedding photography

  11. Akiprediksi adalah penyedia keluaran togel hari ini, atau akrabnya angka keluar togel, juga live draw hk malam ini serta buku mimpi togel hingga syair

  14. We encounter many different types of fabric on a daily basis. Fabrics can be broadly classified as synthetic fabrics and natural fabrics based on the type of fibres they are derived from. Common examples of natural fabrics include cotton, denim, wool, and silk. The fibres that constitute these fabrics can always be sourced to natural origins. For example, cotton is obtained from the cotton plant, silk is obtained from the cocoon of the silkworm, and wool is obtained from sheep and other animals. Synthetic fabrics are the fabrics that are made up of artificial or man-made fibres. Common examples of synthetic fibres include rayon, nylon, velvet, and felt.

    Types of Natural Fabrics
    Natural fabrics are the fabrics that are produced from naturally sourced raw materials. Some common types of natural fabrics are listed in this subsection.
    https://speccyjam.com/fabrics/

  17. Thanks for your post. I’ve been thinking about writing a very comparable post over the last couple of weeks. I’ll probably keep it short and sweet and link to this instead if thats cool. Thanks. valheim world seeds

  18. Rock climbing complements problem fixing talents

    mountain climbing is as a whole lot of a intellectual sport as it’s far a physical feat. When your infant climbs their first rock wall, they’ll be beaten by means of all of the approaches they could make it to the pinnacle. As they climb greater they’ll discover ways to mentally map out the maximum efficient approaches to navigate the holds. Those trouble fixing and making plans skills can without difficulty switch to normal existence.

    5. rock climbing for kids

    show your toddler how much amusing physical activity can be via taking them to the mountaineering gymnasium! It is probably horrifying and intimidating at the start, however with sufficient patience and exercise they’ll be scaling partitions even as smiling right away. Children’ rock climbing golf equipment in grand junction

    in case you live in or near grand junction, grand valley hiking is the go-to identify for indoor climbing. They offer competitive and non-aggressive children programs for the duration of the 12 months, in which your toddler can bond with different younger climbers. At some stage in the summer season and school vacations you can also sign up your infant in skill-constructing camps that train kids a while 7-13 the basics of mountain climbing. The fitness center also encourages households to climb on their personal terms, however note that youngsters underneath the age of 14 must be supervised by means of an adult chaperone at all times.

    https://unitedrocks.org/

  19. Wοnderful blog! Do you have any recommendations for aѕpirіng writers?
    I’m planning to start my own website soon but I’m a little lost on everytһing.
    Would you propose starting with a free platform liҝе WordPress or g᧐ for a pɑid option? Tһere are so many oρtions
    out therte that I’m completely confused .. Any recommendations?
    Bless you!

    Also visit my page HERMES21

  20. Your post is very helpful to get some effective tips to reduce weight properly. You have shared various nice photos of the same. I would like to thank you for sharing these tips. Surely I will try this at home. Keep updating more simple tips like this.  NYC wheelchair accessible taxi

  23. You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be actually something that I think I would never understand.
    It seems too complex and very broad for me. I’m looking forward for your next post, I’ll try to get the hang of it!

    My web page: Melongmovie

  25. You are so awesome! I don’t think I’ve truly read through anything like
    that before. So good to find someone with some unique thoughts on this subject.
    Really.. thank you for starting this up. This website is one thing that is
    required on the internet, someone with a little originality! Feel freе to visit my webpage; Juraganfilm21

  29. Whatever solution or combination of solutions the operator chooses, the Sports Broadcasting brand ensures the world’s bst quality.
    gazatv
    가자티비

  40. Your writing is perfect and complete. 온라인카지노사이트 However, I think it will be more wonderful if your post includes additional topics that I am thinking of. I have a lot of posts on my site similar to your topic. Would you like to visit once?

  42. Assignments have become a new norm in modern education, necessitating the use of MBA Assignment Help Websites. We are one of the organizations that has been assisting students for many years. Our trustworthiness is a major factor in our success. Once you’ve trusted us with the most crucial aspect of your academic life, discover how we make it shine.
    https://www.greatassignmenthelper.com/mba-assignment-help/

  45. We’ve tracked down Frisco’s problem areas to watch the following game, whether it be school, proficient or the Super Bowl. The following are a couple of our top picks serving astounding food and beverages, all set in a family well disposed, easygoing and fun air, or on the other hand in the event that you decide to root for your group from the solace of your lounge chair, these eateries likewise proposition to-go menu choices.
    sports bar in frisco

    Green Gator in Frisco is known for no particular reason, food and sports and is situated in World Cup Plaza close to Toyota Stadium. This enthusiastic neighborhood café presents heavenly, home-made created Cajun food alongside more conventional admission. The staff is agreeable and will ensure you have all that you want to easily watch the major event. Family is consistently wanted here, and Green Gator has incredible menu choices for the little ones. HDTVs are situated all through the eatery including a wall-sized HDTV screen to guarantee everybody has the best seat in the house while supporting their number one group. Feasting outside while watching is likewise a choice with a lot of deck seating and warmers for the colder months. On ends of the week, they offer informal breakfast and unrecorded music. In the event that your mouth is watering for genuine, New Orleans-enlivened Cajun food, advance toward Green Gator for your next game.
    City Works
    Situated in The Star in Frisco, City Works flaunts a broad specialty brew determination with north of 90 neighborhood and worldwide assortments. Over the bar balances tremendous HDTVs to watch your #1 game while feasting on exemplary American food with a turn. You can decide to feast inside or on their extensive open air deck. They offer seating and mixed drink regions for bigger gatherings as well as confidential lounge areas. The menu offers most loved bar nibbles like wings, broiled pickles and cheddar curds as well as tacos, burgers and ribs. We partook in the Scorpion Burger and Chicken Tinga Tacos. Another untouched most loved is the Tex-Mex Mac N’ Cheese with the ideal measure of flavor. With their noteworthy determination of beverages and peppy and vivacious climate, City Works is an incredible spot to meet companions for party time or watch the game.
    As usual, we remind you to if it’s not too much trouble, appreciate dependably. Make certain to set up for a Designated Driver quite a bit early. Ride share organizations, as well as taxi administrations are accessible all through Frisco.
    https://woodysfrisco.com/

  46. CinemaKeren21 screen area Kaca 21 Watch Movie Ganool Streaming Film Cinemaindo live images Online Lk21 LayarKaca21 Cinema XXI Indoxxi Dunia21 Gudangmovie. Here, Bioskop45 provides the latest online Lk21 screen films, the latest movie quality shows, in other words you can watch Cinemaindo and Dunia21 again, your closest family, Ganool, from the Gudangmovies21 gadget, cellphone or your favorite Layarkaca21 smart phone.

  48. Filmlokal Nonton Bioskop Keren XX1 Movie21 INDOXXI Online Cinema21 Indoxxi Gratis lk21 xxi bioskop online 168 layar kaca21. Nonton online streaming film di FILMLOKAL

  49. We’re a group of volunteers and starting a new
    scheme in our community. Your web site provided us with valuable information to work on. You’ve done an impressive job and our entire community will be thankful to you.

    my site :: Nontonfilm168

Leave a Reply

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