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

23,755 thoughts on “Cambodia Dance”

  6. We furnish the most reliable psychology research topics for students at the cheapest rate in the form of original and fully customized compositions. Besides the simplicity and ease of ordering process, we also support students in distress with flexible part payment options.

  9. It’s too bad to check your article late. I wonder what it would be if we met a little faster. I want to exchange a little more, but please visit my site bitcoincasino and leave a message!!파워맨사이트

  12. This is so awesome! I want more people to know the excellence of your writing. It’s really new and innovative content. Your view is similar to mine on this topic. I think my writing will help you, too. 토토사이트

  13. This is my first time i visit here. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here keep up the good work Make Money Online

  16. PNP COIN I‘d mention that most of us visitors are really endowed to exist in a fabulous place with very many wonderful individuals with very helpful things.

  18. link slot88 merupakan sebuah situs slot judi online tergacor yang berperan sebagai penyedia bermacam macam jenis game terbaik untuk kalian semua para pecinta bettingan game online yang ada di indonesia.Anda dapat menikmati segala jenis permainan yang ada di sini seperti slot online,casino online, taruhan bola online,tembak ikan dan togel online.

  19. Hello Guys, If you are seeking Assignment Help London then your searches are over. Native Assignment Help aims to resolve the writing problems of all students pursuing a variety of degrees and certification courses, we have hired assignment writers to handle different subjects. Every writer in their team has been handpicked after a stringent recruitment process and rounds of interviews to assess their writing skills, research abilities, and subject knowledge. Also, their qualifications and academic grades are reviewed to understand whether or not they are suitable to write high-scoring assignments.

  20. Hello Guys, If you are seeking Assignment help london then your searches are over. Native Assignment Help aims to resolve the writing problems of all students pursuing a variety of degrees and certification courses, we have hired assignment writers to handle different subjects. Every writer in their team has been handpicked after a stringent recruitment process and rounds of interviews to assess their writing skills, research abilities, and subject knowledge. Also, their qualifications and academic grades are reviewed to understand whether or not they are suitable to write high-scoring assignments.

  30. Thank you again for all the knowledge you distribute,Good post. I was very interested in the article, it’s quite inspiring I should admit. I like visiting you site since I always come across interesting articles like this one.Great Job, I greatly appreciate that.Do Keep sharing! Regards, 物理補習

  33. His or her shape of unrealistic tats were initially threatening. Lindsay utilized gun first basic, whereas this girl snuck outside by printer ink dog pen. I used absolutely sure the all truly on the shade, with the tattoo can be taken from the body shape. make an own temporary tattoo TikTok Followers

  36. Positive site, where did u come up with the information on this posting?I have read a few of the articles on your website now, and I really like your style. Thanks a million and please keep up the effective work.
    starvegas game

  38. Thank you so much as you have been willing to share information with us. We will forever admire all you have done here because you have made my work as easy as ABC.starvegus

  39. Thank for sharing your cambodia dance. I love this types of article. Hey, Jack Marten this side i am a professional of cdr expert. I am basically provide cdr help in Australia at lowest price

  40. Staff 4 Success is an executive search firm that works with small and medium size staffing, search and consulting firms across the country. We provide executive search and consulting services to the industry across the country. We work closely with our customers to identify the ideal talent through a customized search process and work with our candidates in the highest of confidence as nearly everyone is actively employed in the industry.
    Medical Recruitment Services

  41. Robert Landau turned the 1930 painting, 먹튀
    “Portrait in the Garden,” by the neo-impressionist artist over to U.S. authorities after a Florida art dealer tried to sell it to him. It had been stolen from the Marlborough Gallery.

  42. Eu li este artigo. Acho que 안전카지노사이트 você se esforçou muito para criar este artigo. Agradeço seu trabalho.

    É um artigo notável a favor de todo o pessoal da web;
    eles vão se beneficiar disso, tenho certeza.

  43. Thanks for reading your nice article. Another good tip from what you posted. I also post articles on similar topics to you on my blog, and I hope you will visit and have the same experience as me! I will leave my blog below.토토사이트

  44. I totally agree with what you said. Thank you for leaving comments. I think more people should see the comments you wrote. Can I attach your post to my blog? I think many people will agree with you. 메이저토토

  47. Your blog is a gem itself. I love that there are so many great writings. I’m so happy to find your blog full of information I’ve been looking for. I hope this gratitude will be conveyed to you properly. 메이저토토

  48. I can’t get out of shock after reading your article. Because I’ve never thought about it like you. I resent my narrow insight. Thanks to you, I got to know a new world. Thank you for sharing a good article. 토토사이트추천

  50. That is why selling advertising campaigns marketing so that you could invaluable explore previous advertisment. Quite simply to jot down stronger set that fit this description. 數學補習

Leave a Reply

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