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

27,089 thoughts on “Cambodia Dance

  1. 훌륭한 작업을 완료했습니다. t 내 친구 ind personilly wtll certitnly dtgtt를 제안합니다. t’m conftdent 그들은 thts webstte에서 gitned 될 것입니다 오피뷰

  2. 이것은이 유용한 메시지를 공유하기위한 특별한 요소입니다. 이 블로그에있는 정보에 놀랐습니다. 그것은 여러 관점에서 나를 일으킨다. 이것을 다시 한 번 게시하기 위해 감사의 빚이 있습니다. 신용카드 현금화

  3. 이 기사는 실제로이 레지스트리 관련 문제에 대한 최고의 주제입니다. 나는 귀하의 결론에 부합하며 다음 업데이트를 간절히 기대합니다. 먹튀슈퍼맨

  4. تولید برد الکترونیکی یا PCB (Printed Circuit Board) یکی از مهمترین مراحل در ساخت دستگاه‌های الکترونیکی است. این بردها پایه و اساس مدارهای الکترونیکی را تشکیل می‌دهند و به قطعات مختلف الکترونیکی امکان ارتباط و تبادل اطلاعات را می‌دهند. در ادامه به مراحل مختلف تولید برد الکترونیکی می‌پردازیم:

  5. قلیان ویپی (Shisha vape) یک روش جدید برای استفاده از ویپ (سیگار الکترونیکی) است که طی آن جایگزین پاک کردن قلیان سنتی شده است.

  6. برای خرید یک فن کویل خوب باید به چند نکته مهم توجه کنید
    اول اینکه، ظرفیت و اندازه فن کویل باید با حجم فضای مورد نظر شما متناسب باشد. دقت کنید که فن کویل انتخابی تامین کننده نیاز خنک کنندگی یا گرمایشی مکان مورد نظر باشد. برای این کار می توانید از مشاوره متخصصان و محاسبات فنی کمک بگیرید.

  7. قرنیز (Cornice) یک عنصر تزئینی معماری است که به صورت بیرونی به دیوارها و لبه های ساختمان ها نصب می شود. قرنیز وظیفه زیبا سازی و پوشش دادن به لبه های ساختمان را بر عهده دارد.

  8. قرنیز (Cornice) یک عنصر تزئینی معماری است که به صورت بیرونی به دیوارها و لبه های ساختمان ها نصب می شود. قرنیز وظیفه زیبا سازی و پوشش دادن به لبه های ساختمان را بر عهده دارد.

  9. قرنیز (Cornice) یک عنصر تزئینی معماری است که به صورت بیرونی به دیوارها و لبه های ساختمان ها نصب می شود. قرنیز وظیفه زیبا سازی و پوشش دادن به لبه های ساختمان را بر عهده دارد.

    https://bomrangdecor.com/product-category/cornice/

  10. Thank you for sharing this fascinating insight into Cambodian dance. The rich history and cultural significance of Khmer Classical Dance, along with its royal heritage and influences from Hindu mythology, offer a profound understanding of its artistic and spiritual depth. It’s truly remarkable how these traditions have been preserved and celebrated. For those exploring investment opportunities, consider Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), which provide diverse and strategic options for managing investments.

  11. “Excellent post! I’ve had a positive experience with assignment writing services in Australia. The quality and reliability of these services have been a lifesaver for managing tight deadlines and complex topics. The professional assistance provided by Assignment Writing Services ensures that my work is well-researched and plagiarism-free. For anyone feeling overwhelmed with academic tasks, these services offer valuable support and can make a significant difference in your academic performance.”

  12. Thank you for this beautifully detailed exploration of Khmer classical dance and its profound cultural significance. The resilience of this art form, especially post-Khmer Rouge, is truly inspiring. Similarly, understanding the LLP Registration is crucial for those looking to establish a business with limited liability and flexible management. This process ensures legal recognition and operational efficiency, empowering entrepreneurs to preserve their business legacy just as dancers preserve their cultural heritage.

  13. This article was very useful and interesting, with clear explanations. I enjoyed reading it and learned a lot.

  14. This article was very useful and interesting, with clear explanations. I enjoyed reading it and learned a lot.
    Additionally, if you’re interested in expanding your skills in data engineering, I highly recommend checking out the Snowflake course at Brolly Academy.
    Snowflake Training In Hyderabad

  15. Thank you for this rich and detailed overview of Khmer classical dance and its historical significance. It’s remarkable to see how this art form has survived and evolved through centuries of change and adversity. If you’re exploring ways to support and sustain cultural projects or similar initiatives, you might find Nidhi Limited Company Services valuable. They specialize in providing financial solutions tailored for mutual benefit and community-focused projects.

Leave a Reply

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