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

23,671 thoughts on “Cambodia Dance”

  4. 주목할만한 기사, 특히 유용합니다! 나는 이것에서 조용히 시작했고 더 잘 알게되고 있습니다! 기쁨, 계속해서 더 인상적 툰코 웹툰

  16. درمان زود انزالی
    زودانزالی یکی از مشکلات رایج در بین مردان است که می‌تواند تأثیرات منفی بر روابط زناشویی و اعتماد به نفس فرد داشته باشد. خوشبختانه، راهکارهایی برای مدیریت و درمان این وضعیت وجود دارد .با مراجعه به یک متخصص اورولوژی یا روانشناس، می‌توانید بهترین روش درمان را برای خود انتخاب کنید.
    https://reflexology.market/downloads/zood-enzali-treatment/

  17. بیسیم کنوود؛ ارتباطی قوی، اطمینانی پایدار
    آیا به دنبال یک وسیله ارتباطی قدرتمند و باکیفیت برای محیط کار، تفریحات گروهی یا حتی مواقع اضطراری هستید؟ بیسیم‌های کنوود، با برد بالا، کیفیت صدای شفاف و طراحی مقاوم، بهترین انتخاب برای شما هستند. برای خرید بیسیم کنوود و کسب اطلاعات بیشتر، با ما تماس بگیرید یا از وبسایت ما دیدن فرمایید.
    https://alobisim.com/product-category/%da%a9%d9%86%d9%88%d9%88%d8%af/

  18. قالب یونولیت، قالبی دقیق و مقرون به صرفه برای هر محصول
    ما در نامی فوم با بهره‌گیری از دانش و تجربه چندین ساله در زمینه ساخت قالب یونولیت، محصولات متنوعی را برای صنایع مختلف تولید می‌کنیم. از قالب‌های ساده تا پیچیده‌ترین طرح‌ها، ما قادر به ساخت هر نوع قالبی با بالاترین دقت و کیفیت هستیم. با ما تماس بگیرید تا کارشناسان ما شما را در انتخاب بهترین قالب برای محصولتان راهنمایی کنند.
    https://namifoam.com/pcategory/%d9%82%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%a8-%db%8c%d9%88%d9%86%d9%88%d9%84%db%8c%d8%aa/

  19. Struggling with BTEC assignments? Assignment Desk offers top-notch BTEC assignment writing help tailored to your course needs. Their expert writers ensure well-researched and structured content, helping you achieve academic success effortlessly. Get professional writing support and submit assignments that stand out from the rest!

  21. دایکین، هوای تازه را به خانه‌تان بیاورید. با سیستم‌های سرمایشی و گرمایشی پیشرفته دایکین، از هوایی پاک، آرام و با دمای مطلوب لذت ببرید. تکنولوژی اینورتر دایکین، مصرف انرژی را به حداقل رسانده و در عین حال، بیشترین بازدهی را برای شما فراهم می‌کند
    https://asacarno.com/product/%d8%a7%d8%b3%d9%be%d9%84%db%8c%d8%aa-%d9%85%d8%b1%da%a9%d8%b2%db%8c-%d9%88%db%8c-%d8%a2%d8%b1-%d9%88%db%8c-%d8%af%d8%a7%db%8c%da%a9%db%8c%d9%86/

  22. سرور اچ پی
    حفاظت از اطلاعات حساس کسب‌وکار شما اولویت اصلی اچ پی است. با استفاده از ویژگی‌های امنیتی پیشرفته، می‌توانید با خیالی آسوده داده‌های خود را ذخیره و مدیریت کنید .برای کسب اطلاعات بیشتر و مشاوره رایگان در انتخاب سرور مناسب، با کارشناسان ما تماس بگیرید
    https://ysorkh.net/shop/product-category/server-hp/

  24. bookmarking and checking back frequently!it people processing it really is another person’s renowned company, you will never in the world of the 55 and other lavishness brands supra to uncover which.. bandar togel

  29. I admire this article for the well-researched content and excellent wording. I got so involved in this material that I couldn’t stop reading. I am impressed with your work and skill. Thank you so much Slot Gacor Hari ini

  32. Thanks for a very interesting blog. What else may I get that kind of info written in such a perfect approach? I’ve a undertaking that I am simply now operating on, and I have been at the look out for such info. Slot Dana Gacor

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

  36. 최악의 부분은 소프트웨어가 간헐적으로 만 작동하고 데이터가 정확하지 않다는 것입니다. 정보가 올바르지 않으면 발견 한 내용에 대해 누구와도 대면 할 수 없습니다. 아이러브밤

  45. Wow, this report exceptionally strike the nail upon the mind!
    I’ve been having difficulties with this make a difference for a long time and it’s hence fresh new in the direction of check out another person extremely dive deep into the scenario and give hassle-free companies.
    The illustrations on your own made available ended up remarkably relatable and I identified
    myself nodding together as I examine throughout them.

    Just one issue that particularly resonated with me was the actuality oneself
    produced concerning the value of self-treatment.

    It’s thus basic in the direction of acquire stuck up in just the working day-in direction of-working day grind and forget our private well being.
    However as your self rightly pointed out, having the period in direction of recharge
    and prioritize our psychological and bodily
    health and fitness is imperative if we have to have in the direction of be our least difficult selves.
    I’m certainly shifting in the direction of check out applying some of the ideas on your own shared.

    Thank by yourself for this informative and inspiring posting!

    Also visit my web-site :: online casino (https://wmg.by/)

  47. In today’s world, relationships are complex and often face challenges that can strain the bond between a girlfriend and boyfriend. Whether it’s misunderstandings, jealousy, lack of communication, or external interference, these problems can leave individuals feeling confused and emotionally drained. However, with the right approach and strategies, these love problems can be solved, leading to a stronger and more fulfilling relationship. This guide aims to provide practical and effective solutions to common relationship issues and help you navigate through difficult times with your partner.
    https://astrologysewa.com/gf-bf-love-problem-solutions/

  50. گوگرد کلوخه ضایعاتی
    آیا به دنبال یک منبع مقرون به صرفه و باکیفیت گوگرد برای صنایع خود هستید؟ گوگرد کلوخه ضایعاتی ما با خلوص بالا و قیمت مناسب، بهترین گزینه برای شماست. با خرید از ما، به محیط زیست کمک کرده و هزینه‌های تولید خود را کاهش دهید. همین حالا با ما تماس بگیرید و از تخفیفات ویژه ما بهره‌مند شوید!

Leave a Reply

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