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

20,828 thoughts on “Cambodia Dance”

  1. When I originally commented I clicked the -Notify me when new surveys are added- checkbox now when a comment is added I receive four emails with similar comment. Will there be however you possibly can get rid of me from that service? Thanks! 中學中文

  2. Slot online tidak hanya menawarkan taruhan pra-pertandingan tetapi juga taruhan langsung. sepanjang durasi pertandingan. Hal ini memungkinkan pemain untuk bertaruh dan mengubah Taruhan pada situasi pertandingan yang sedang berlangsung, sehingga meningkatkan sensasi dan kegembiraan dari pengalaman Taruhan Sepak Bola. sistem informasi dan hasil langsung selalu diperbarui Memastikan akurat dan cepat, membantu pemain mendapatkan keputusan taruhan yang baik selama pertandingan seperti mesin slot

  3. Common issues with Canon printer can be frustrating, but understanding them can lead to effective solutions. One prevalent problem is paper jams, often caused by misaligned sheets or debris. Print quality issues, like streaks or faded prints, may signal low ink levels or clogged nozzles. Connectivity problems arise from outdated drivers or network issues. Error codes can be perplexing, yet they often indicate specific malfunctions that can be resolved with a quick search.

    https://www.contactfor-guide.com/canon-printer-setup/

  4. Contacting Epson Printer Support for technical assistance is straightforward. You may access the “Support” or “Contact Us” sections by going to the official Epson website. There, you’ll find options to initiate a live chat with a support agent or request a callback. Additionally, you can dial the toll-free helpline provided on the website to speak directly with a knowledgeable representative. Epson also offers support through their social media channels and community forums.

    https://quickestuphelp.com/epson-pinter-support

  8. 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. 幼兒數學

  9. Having a Kaspersky login offers several valuable benefits. Firstly, it provides a centralized platform for managing your Kaspersky antivirus software and associated products. With a Kaspersky account, you can easily access and control security settings, view your subscription details, and receive important updates and alerts. Moreover, a Kaspersky login enhances security by enabling you to remotely manage and monitor your devices, making it simpler to protect your digital life from threats.

    https://simplyassist.us/antivirus/kaspersky-setup-activation

  10. Choosing the right platform for website development is crucial to the success of your online presence. It primarily depends on your specific needs and goals. If you seek simplicity and ease of use, platforms like WordPress and Wix offer user-friendly interfaces. For more customization and scalability, consider platforms like Drupal or Joomla. E-commerce sites may benefit from Shopify or WooCommerce. Assess factors like your technical proficiency, budget, and long-term objectives.

    https://ansuninternationals.com/website-development

  15. Internet Explorer, though no longer a widely recommended browser, has had several key features. It provided a user-friendly interface with a familiar layout, including a toolbar for easy navigation. Internet Explorer historically supported ActiveX controls, enabling interactive web content and browser extensions. It offered robust security measures like SmartScreen Filter to identify malicious websites and pop-up blockers to enhance user experience. Additionally, it allowed users to customize their browsing experience with add-ons and toolbars.

    https://simplyassist.us/browser/internet-explorer

  16. Security is paramount in WordPress development. Best practices include keeping the WordPress core, themes, and plugins up-to-date to patch known vulnerabilities. Implement strong, unique passwords for admin accounts and use two-factor authentication. Limit login attempts to thwart brute-force attacks. Regularly backup your website to prevent data loss in case of a breach. Utilize security plugins, like Wordfence or Sucuri, to monitor and protect against threats. Avoid using nulled themes or plugins, as they may contain malicious code.

    https://ansuninternationals.com/wordpress-development

  17. Hello I’m Anny Perry . I’m a 123hp printer Hp printer Installing an HP printer on your computer is a straightforward process. Begin by unpacking the printer and connecting it to a power source. Turn on the printer and ensure it’s in a ready state. Next, connect it to your computer using a USB cable or through a wireless network, following the on-screen prompts. Insert the printer driver CD or download the latest driver from the HP website. Run the driver installation file and follow the setup wizard’s instructions.

  18. Yes, there are third-party tools available to manage QuickBooks file extensions. These specialized utilities offer features beyond the basic functionalities provided by QuickBooks itself. They can assist in converting files between different versions and extensions, making it easier to work with varying QuickBooks environments. Some tools also offer advanced data management and recovery options, allowing users to manipulate and recover files in ways that may not be possible using native QuickBooks functions.

    https://quicklybookonline.com/blog/quickbooks-file-extension/

  19. QuickBooks Advanced Inventory boasts robust reporting capabilities. It provides detailed insights into stock levels, allowing businesses to track item quantities across multiple locations. The software offers reports on sales trends, helping identify popular products and forecast demand. It facilitates comprehensive cost analysis, aiding in profit margin assessment. Users can generate reports on item turnover rates, optimizing inventory management strategies. QuickBooks Advanced Inventory also enables tracking of serialized and lot-numbered items, ensuring precise control.

    https://quicklybookonline.com/blog/quickbooks-advanced-inventory/

  20. Kalau agan udah mendaftarkan selaku anggota anyar serta claim Situs slot thailand pada awal, agan dapat permainkan Slot bonus di muka itu di semuanya provider Situs slot thailand permainan. Slot pada awal berlaku buat 20 model provider yang siap di web. Hal semacam itu bertambah membantu agan buat menang pada waktu claim bonus new anggota (Slot game), lantaran pun adalah website judi Slot online enteng menang bonus new anggota. Jumlah opsi provider Slot bonus di muka membuat menang bonus new anggota (Slot permainan) bertambah gampang.

  21. Slot deposit 5000 https://bit.ly/slot88-slot-thailand merupakan platform kasino online terkemuka, dengan antarmuka berkelas serta ramah pengguna. Tema dirancang secara handal, dengan grafis serta dampak suara yang menawan. Dalam game, Kamu hendak bertatap muka dengan dealer lewat video langsung, sehingga Kamu merasa semacam lagi bermain sungguhan. di menawarkan sensasi serta drama kepada pemain

  23. My spouse and I stumbled over here by a different web address and thought I might check things out. I like what I see so i am just following you. Look forward to checking out your web page again. SIGHTCARE REVIEWS

  24. Creating a backup of your important emails is a great way to protect your emails. To securely backup emails from your account, it i advisable to use reliable tools like Yota Email Backup Wizard. This is the best way to backup emails from several email accounts to the computer. You can download emails from Gmail, Outlook.com, Office 365, Yahoo Mail, etc. Users can save their account emails to several formats like PDF, PST, EML, HTML, and more.

    To know more, visit: https://yotasoftware.com/email-backup/

  25. I do agree with all of the ideas you have introduced for your post. They’re very convincing and will certainly work. Nonetheless, the posts are very brief for newbies. May you please lengthen them a little from subsequent time? Thank you for the post. prodentim

  26. Its an incredible joy perusing your post.Its brimming with data I am searching for and I want to post a remark that “The substance of your post is magnificent” Great work.  歷史補習

  27. If you find yourself unable to access your Windstream email login, don’t worry, there are steps you can take to resolve the issue. Start by double-checking your username and password for accuracy, ensuring that caps lock is off. If you’re certain they’re correct, attempt to reset your password through the “Forgot Password” or “Reset Password” option on the login page. Windstream will guide you through a series of security questions or send a password reset link to your registered email. https://simplyassist.us/email/windstream-email-login

  32. An extremely wonderful blog entry. We are extremely appreciative for your blog entry. You will discover a great deal of methodologies in the wake of visiting your post. I was actually scanning for. Much obliged for such post and please keep it up 夜用 m 巾

  33. An interesting dialogue is price comment. I feel that it is best to write more on this matter, it may not be a taboo topic however usually individuals are not enough to talk on such topics. To the next. Cheers. 夜用 m 巾

  34. Although common Canon printer problems might be annoying, understanding them can help find workable solutions. Paper jams are a common issue that are frequently brought on by misaligned sheets or dirt. Low ink levels or clogged nozzles may be the cause of print quality problems like streaks or fading printouts. Driver or network faults can cause connectivity issues. Although error codes can be confusing, they frequently point to particular issues that can be fixed with a fast search.

    https://www.contactfor-guide.com/canon-printer-setup/

  35. It is simple to get in touch with Epson Printer Support for technical support. The “Support” and “Contact Us” sections are accessible by visiting the official Epson website. There are buttons to start a live chat with a customer service representative or ask for a callback. Additionally, you can contact a competent representative by calling the toll-free helpline listed on the website. Additionally, Epson provides assistance via its social media platforms and online discussion boards.

    https://quickestuphelp.com/epson-pinter-support

  38. A Kaspersky login comes with a number of useful advantages. It offers a consolidated interface for controlling your Kaspersky antivirus software and related products, first and foremost. You can simply examine your subscription information, adjust your security settings, and get timely updates and notifications with a Kaspersky account. Additionally, logging in with Kaspersky improves security by allowing you to remotely manage and watch over your devices, making it easier to defend your digital life from dangers.

    https://simplyassist.us/antivirus/kaspersky-setup-activation

  39. The success of your online presence depends on selecting the best website building platform. Your particular demands and objectives will have the biggest impact. User-friendly interfaces are available on platforms like WordPress and Wix if you’re looking for simplicity and usability. Platforms like Drupal or Joomla offer greater customization and scalability. Shopify or WooCommerce may be advantageous for e-commerce websites. Consider things like your financial situation, long-term goals, and technological expertise.

    https://ansuninternationals.com/website-development

  41. Hello I’m Anny Perry . I’m a 123hp printer Hp envy The HP Envy 6255 printer boasts a range of impressive features. It offers high-quality photo printing with vibrant colors and sharp detail, making it ideal for creative projects. The printer supports wireless connectivity, allowing for hassle-free printing from smartphones, tablets, and laptops. With its automatic duplex printing capability, it saves on paper costs while being environmentally friendly. The Envy 6255 also supports borderless printing, giving a professional finish to photos and documents.

  43. Despite no longer being a popular recommendation, Internet Explorer has a number of important features. It had an intuitive user interface with a well-known layout and a toolbar for simple navigation. Earlier versions of Internet Explorer included ActiveX controls, making interactive web content and browser add-ons possible. It provided strong security features like pop-up blockers to improve user experience and SmartScreen Filter to detect harmful websites. By using toolbars and add-ons, users could further personalize their surfing experience.

    https://simplyassist.us/browser/internet-explorer

  44. In the development of WordPress, security comes first. The WordPress core, themes, and plugins should all be updated to fix any known security issues. Admin accounts should have strong, one-of-a-kind passwords, and two-factor authentication should be used. To prevent brute-force assaults, restrict login attempts. Backup your website frequently to avoid data loss in the event of a breach. Use security plugins to track risks and defend against them, such as Wordfence or Sucuri. Themes and plugins that are nulled should not be used as they can contain dangerous code.

    https://ansuninternationals.com/wordpress-development

  46. Your work here on this blog has been top notch from day 1. You’ve been continously providing amazing articles for us all to read and I just hope that you keep it going on in the future as well. Cheers! 裝修公司

Leave a Reply

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