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

26,809 thoughts on “Cambodia Dance”

  1. 토뮤는 토토사이트와 메이저사이트를 포함한 먹튀검증 된 토토사이트 및 안전놀이터 정보를 제공하는 토토커뮤니티입니다. 꽁머니 혜택과 함께 신뢰할 수 있는 보증업체 및 메이저놀이터를 확인하세요. 스포츠베팅, 온라인 카지노 관련 정보도 제공합니다.

  2. 토토커뮤니티 토뮤는 먹튀검증 서비스를 통해 토토사이트의 신뢰성을 철저히 평가하며, 이용자들이 안전하게 베팅할 수 있도록 보증금 제도를 운영하고 있습니다.
    이 먹튀검증 된 토토사이트는
    토토사이트가 사용자에게 재정적 손실을 입히지 않도록 면밀한 조사와 먹튀검증 과정을 거칩니다.

  9. Thanks for your valuable input! His creative viewpoint truly adds a new dynamic to this topic. If you’d like to see how Choose Right Building Cost Estimator can bring your ideas to life, contact us today. We’re committed to crafting customized plans to meet your specific home needs.

  12. About WSO55 Slot Games:
    WSO55 is the leader in WSO Slot games, offering players a unique experience with our Slot Gacor selection. Known for higher RTP rates and exciting bonus features, WSO55 provides an unmatched gaming atmosphere.

  13. 방문자에게 제공하는 최고 품질의 정보를 정말로 즐겼다 ​​고 말하기 전에 웹 사이트를 떠날 수 없었습니까? 새로운 게시물을 확인하기 위해 자주 다시 올 것입니다. 슬롯 솔루션

  15. Inter-caste marriages have become increasingly common in today’s society as people are breaking away from traditional norms and seeking partners based on compatibility rather than caste. While Inter-caste marriages can bring about a sense of unity and acceptance, they can also face challenges due to societal norms and prejudices. However, with the right approach and mindset, inter-caste marriages can be successful and fulfilling for both partners. In this article, we will discuss some key strategies to make inter-caste marriage successful.
    https://astrologysewa.com/make-inter-caste-marriage-successful/

  17. سئو در مشهد
    به شما کمک می‌کند تا وب‌سایت خود را بهینه‌سازی کرده و با بهبود رتبه در گوگل، حضور آنلاین قوی‌تری داشته باشید و مشتریان بیشتری به دست آورید.

  28. Nice to be visiting your blog again, it has been months for me. Well this article that i’ve been waited for so long. I need this article to complete my assignment in the college, and it has same topic with your article. Thanks, great share 에볼루션카지노

  41. 1xBet promo code: 1XGIFT200 when registering in 2024. This code will allow you to obtain a welcome bonus of up to 100% bonus on sports betting and $1,500 on the casino + 150 free spins. To get your free bet, new customers can register for free at 1xbet and enter the promotional code.For more at 1xbet nepal

  42. Alya Al Zeera Law Firm is a well-known law firm in Bahrain and other countries due to its professional and exceptional service, which has grown out of its appreciation of the law. Given its apparent dedication to the welfare of its clients, the firm coalesces into one of the premier sources of legal services. The firm has lawyers with practice experience in GCC jurisdictions and the United Kingdom to provide numerous legal services and expertise.
    Established in the Kingdom of Bahrain, Alya Al Zeera Law Firm is ideally located to provide services to clients not only in the Kingdom of Bahrain but also in the neighbouring areas of the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
    Criminal lawyer in Bahrain

  47. Buy a variety of corporate gifting options from Oasisbaklawa for staff members, clients, and employees. Look into Personalised gifts, cakes, flowers, truffles, chocolates, ganache, and other corporate gift items.

  48. Communication is key in any relationship, but it becomes even more crucial in an intercaste marriage. It is important to have open discussions about cultural differences, family expectations, and any potential challenges that may arise due to the difference in caste. By communicating openly and effectively, couples can build trust and understanding, which is essential for a successful marriage.
    https://astrologysewa.com/make-inter-caste-marriage-successful/

Leave a Reply

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