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

23,986 thoughts on “Cambodia Dance

  1. At Megawebdesign, we are proud to be India’s premier graphic design agency India, dedicated to helping businesses unlock their full creative potential. As a top-notch graphic design company India, we understand the power of visual communication and its impact on brand success.

  2. Trustworthy Home Servies offers enhanced comfort by maintaining a cool and pleasant indoor temperature, allowing you to escape the sweltering heat outside.We also specialize in AC gas filling in Delhi. We understand the importance of proper refrigerant levels for optimal AC performance.

  3. Are you looking for the best small wedding venues in Colorado or specifically in Denver? If so,  Meadows Event Center could be the perfect place for your special day. Known for its stunning natural surroundings and charming atmosphere, Colorado offers a plethora of small wedding venues that will create a memorable experience for you and your guests.

  4. Spot lets start work on this write-up, I really think this fabulous website wants a great deal more consideration. I’ll oftimes be once more to learn to read much more, many thanks that information

    먹튀검증사이트

  5. Hp wireless printer setup doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With this comprehensive guide, you’ll gain the knowledge to master the process effortlessly. Begin by ensuring your printer and computer are connected to the same wireless network. Next, download and install the latest printer software and drivers from the official HP website. Use the printer’s control panel to connect it to the Wi-Fi network, following the on-screen prompts. If necessary, adjust any additional settings.

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

  6. HP Instant Ink has revolutionized the way we approach printing, empowering users to unlock a new level of printing efficiency. Gone are the days of scrambling for ink cartridges or running out of ink at the most inconvenient times. With HP Instant Ink, the printer itself becomes intelligent, monitoring ink levels and automatically ordering replacements when needed. This smart ink subscription service ensures that you have a steady supply of ink delivered right to your doorstep.

    https://simplyassist.us/hp-printer-ink-cartridges/

  7. Encountering an Epson printer offline on Mac can be a frustrating roadblock to your printing tasks. However, with some expert tips, you can resolve the problem swiftly. First, check the printer’s physical connections to ensure everything is properly connected. Next, navigate to the System Preferences on your Mac and access the Printers & Scanners settings. Remove the offline printer and add it again to refresh the connection.

    https://simplyassist.us/epson-printer-offline-error-windows-mac/

  8. I am writing to let you understand what a extraordinary discovery my cousin’s daughter had going through your안전놀이터
    web page. She realized a lot of details, including how it is like to have a wonderful helping style to have certain people without problems gain knowledge of a number of grueling matters. You really surpassed her expected results. Many thanks for giving the helpful, healthy, revealing as well as cool tips about that topic to Evelyn.

  9. I read this article very well. I will visit you often in the future. Thank you, my friend. I hope everything goes well주소

  10. Don’t Worry, Online Shopping Is Easier Than You Think

    In many ways, the Internet is a giant, virtual mall.웹하드순위 You can find everything you want without ever getting up from your chair. Since your buying options are so vast, it is important you know the best way to go about using this to your best advantage. Keep reading to find out more

  11. We Have The Tips Which Help You Shop Online Smarter

    Searching online is great when you plan a purchase.웹하드추천 You might get charged steep shipping charges or regular prices, which cause you not to buy. This piece is full of ideas on how you can save while shopping online.

    Look to Amazon

  12. Everything You Want To Know About Online Shopping

    Have you ever done shopping online? If so, you probably understand that although there are many similarities to traditional shopping, there are some differences as well.티비다시보기 Because of this, you have to be educated on the process so you can obtain the best possible deals. Check out this article for excellent advice that will help you in your online-shopping endeavors.

    Check out coupon sites

  13. Curious About Online Shopping? Read These Tips!

    There is nothing like a bit of online shopping to bring out the bargain hunter in anybody.누누티빙 The key to really making online shopping pay, however, is to fully understand the most effective strategies and tactics involved. Keep reading to learn how you can maximize your bounty by following a few critical steps.

    Be careful in regard to the online stores that you consider buying from

  14. Nice article, keep sharing more useful content like this and anyone who wants legal support for you kindly visit our site thanks. If you are looking for agribusiness management colleges then contact Isab They are the best in this field. They provide a wide range of services such as Mba in agriculture business management, high-quality education, and viable presentation to its students.

  15. I have been looking for articles on these topics for a long time.
    I don’t know how grateful you are for posting on this topic. Thank you for the numerous articles on this site, I will subscribe to those links in my bookmarks and visit them often. Have a nice day.
    토토사이트

  16. Transform your brand with Visual Best, the ultimate graphic design company. From logos to websites, we deliver stunning designs that capture attention and leave a lasting impression. Elevate your visual presence today!”

  17. Transform your brand with Visual Best, the ultimate graphic design company. From logos to websites, we deliver stunning designs that capture attention and leave a lasting impression. Elevate your visual presence today!”

  18. The Netgear eax15 setup is certain to fulfil your needs if you want your Wi-Fi network to offer you more coverage and faster performance. It provides complete coverage of your area and has a network speed that can reach 1.8 Gbps.

  19. I am Emma Stone here. We think that vacationing should be enjoyable, not stressful. To ensure the smoothest possible travel for you, we provide a variety of practical features. For your enjoyable journey. Are looking for WestJet Callback
    ? Book your flight with Aairtickets. We deliver our best quality services to our customers with 100% satisfaction.

  20. If we talk about the amenities offered by Copa Airlines, there is a long list that will definitely make your journey worthwhile. You can take your own food on the flight. To know more about in-flight facilities, You can callCopa airlines puerto rico telefono +1-845-459-2806.

  21. Achieving smooth and secure access to your McAfee account is essential for protecting your digital life. By mastering the McAfee sign-in process, you can ensure a hassle-free experience. Begin by visiting the official McAfee website and locating the sign-in page. Enter your registered email address and password, double-checking for accuracy. If you encounter any login issues, utilize the “Forgot Password” option to reset your credentials. It’s crucial to keep your login details confidential and enable two-factor authentication for an added layer of security.

    https://contactfor-guide.com/mcafee-sign-in/

  22. HP Instant Ink revolutionizes the way we print by offering an efficient and cost-effective solution. With HP Instant Ink, you no longer need to worry about running out of ink at inconvenient times. This subscription-based service delivers ink cartridges directly to your doorstep based on your printer’s ink levels. By accurately predicting your ink usage, HP Instant Ink helps you save money and reduce waste. Choose from various monthly plans based on your printing needs.
    https://simplyassist-us.blogspot.com/2023/06/HP-Instant-Ink.html

  23. Setting up and configuring your HP wireless printer is the key to unleashing its full potential. By following a few essential steps, you can optimize your printing experience. Begin by connecting your printer to a wireless network, ensuring it is within range and has a stable connection. Use the printer’s control panel or the HP Smart app to navigate through the setup process. Configure your printer settings, such as paper size, print quality, and other preferences, to align with your needs.
    https://contactfor–guide.blogspot.com/2023/06/HP-wireless-printer-setup.html

  24. چاپ عکس روی لیوان
    شرکت پی بی چاپ به عنوان یکی از اولین و بزرگترین شرکت ها در ارائه خدمات چاپ لیوان و ماگ در ایران مشغول به خدمت رسانی است. شما می‌توانید سفارش چاپ انواع خدمات چاپ عکس روی لیوان را به شرکت ما بدهید و بدون محدودیت، سفارش خود را تحویل بگیرید.

  25. In 부산출장안마 Man Adele, a Korean manager

    All customers using the service

    Always with the greatest pleasure without internal injury

    Systematic training and

    It is operating as a system.

  26. Been looking for this article for long time ago and finally found here. Thanks for the tips and sharing this post. appreciate!Please check out my 안전놀이터
    website too and let me know what you think.

Leave a Reply

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