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

27,857 thoughts on “Cambodia Dance”

  4. I feel this is among the most important details for me. And i am glad looking at your report. But want to remark on some general things, The web site style is excellent, the articles or blog posts is truly great : D. Very good work, cheers Ikaria Lean Belly Juice Reviews

  7. I image this might be various upon the written content material? then again I still believe that it may be appropriate for nearly any form of subject subject matter, because it will continuously be gratifying to resolve a heat and delightful face or possibly pay attention a voice whilst preliminary landing. Prodentim

  9. I am typically to blogging we actually appreciate your site content. This article has truly peaks my interest. I am about to bookmark your site and keep checking for brand spanking new information. NeoTonics

  11. you are actually a good webmaster. The web site loading velocity is amazing. It seems that you are doing any unique trick. Furthermore, The contents are masterpiece. you’ve performed a great process on this subject! The Growth Matrix

  12. Great post! I am actually getting ready to across this information, is very helpful my friend. Also great blog here with all of the valuable information you have. Keep up the good work you are doing here. Phy 補習班

  14. This internet site can be a walk-through like the info you wished relating to this and didn’t know who need to. Glimpse here, and you’ll certainly discover it. Cortexi

  15. It’s not the case that reader must be completely agreed with author’s views about article. So this is what happened with me, anyways it’s a good effort, I appreciate it. Thanks fast lean pro

  18. If you want to buy ROM’s furniture, you can check out RE:Modern Living’s official online store, where you can now find out more about ROM’s high-quality and beautifully crafted furniture products. From customizable corner sofas to leather armchairs to unfolding sofa bed sleepers, you can definitely find one that will complement the overall aesthetics of your home.
    custom sofas san diego

  19. Crafted with high-quality materials, our Cuban chain bracelet is durable and built to last. The sturdy construction ensures that it can withstand daily wear and tear, making it a reliable piece in your jewelry collection.
    Adascious Empire

  21. I really found this to much informatics. It is what i was searching for.I would like to suggest you that please keep sharing such type of info.Thanks

    바카라

  26. Salah satu elemen paling menarik dari slot online adalah peluang untuk menang besar. menawarkan pemain tingkat kemenangan yang masuk akal dan menarik, memungkinkan pemain kesempatan untuk memenangkan hadiah besar. memberikan tabel pembayaran mendetail untuk setiap versi game, membantu pemain memahami perhitungan dan peluang kemenangan yang berbeda. Pada saat yang sama, juga menawarkan banyak promosi dan turnamen khusus terkait game, menciptakan lebih banyak peluang bagi pemain untuk memenangkan hadiah berharga terutama di slot5000

  31. Mereka bisa ditemui di serta di luar casino. Casino kebanyakan melangsungkan mesin slot di tempat yang menurutnya akan membuat konsumen berasa ternyaman. Bila Anda cari mesin slot mempunyai biaya rendah, Anda bisa lihat pelbagai situs Bimabet yang menjajakan service itu. Website Bimabet akan menjajakan Anda penawaran top yang mencangkup ongkos mesin dan bonus yang bisa Anda gunakan. Website ini pula memberinya Anda pelbagai info mengenai pelbagai info slot gacor serta macam mesin.
    bimabet

  34. Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive read anything like that prior to. So nice to seek out somebody by incorporating original applying for grants this subject. realy thanks for beginning this up. this web site can be something that is needed on the web, someone after some originality. beneficial task for bringing interesting things to your net! Buy weight loss medications online

  35. Hello, i study your blog often and i own an analogous one and i used to be just wondering if you get much of spam comments? If so how do you catch it, any plugin or anything you’ll be able to advise? I get thus often lately it’s driving me crazy so any help is very abundant appreciated. for older folks, retirement or a huge promotion at work is a time when celebration events are going to be a great idea. Boostaro

  36. Me and also my buddy were arguing about an issue similar to that! These days I realize that I was perfect. lol! Thanks for the information you post. PhenQ

  37. Appreciate your sharing the right go over this important, I believe eagerly concerning it along with true love mastering much more this important market. If it turns out likelihood, whilst you realise competencies, will you mind updating ones blog page together with much more details? This is very useful for me and my peers. Tonic Greens

  38. Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive read anything such as this before. So nice to get somebody by original ideas on this subject. realy thank you for starting this up. this amazing site is a thing that is needed on-line, a person with a bit of originality. valuable task for bringing new stuff on the world wide web! Sight Care

  39. When I originally commented I clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and after this if a comment is added I get four emails concentrating on the same comment. Perhaps there is that is you’ll be able to get rid of me from that service? Thanks! red boost

  40. I think other site proprietors should take this site as an model, very clean and magnificent user genial style and design, let alone the content. You’re an expert in this topic! FitSpresso

  41. Troubled persons include created a lot of advance while using the environmental safeguard. Overall health techniques of your quite a few spots have established legislation to defend the oxygen, woods in addition to seashore approaches as a way to halt the environmental carbon dioxide. Nevertheless significantly more approaches ought to be delivered to distinct up the environmental complications. fast lean pro

  42. As far as me being a member here, I wasn’t aware that I was a member for any days, actually. When the article was published I received a username and password, so that I could participate in the discussion of the post, That would explain me stumbuling upon this post. But we’re certainly all intellectuals. THE BILLIONAIRE BRAIN WAVE

  47. I simply could not go away your site before suggesting that I extremely loved the standard information a person supply in your visitors? Is gonna be back ceaselessly in order to check out new posts. Sight Care

  48. Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive read anything like that prior to. So nice to seek out somebody by incorporating original applying for grants this subject. realy thanks for beginning this up. this web site can be something that is needed on the web, someone after some originality. beneficial task for bringing interesting things to your net! PhenQ

Leave a Reply

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