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

24,017 thoughts on “Cambodia Dance”

  1. Your blog is absolutely amazing! Each post is so thoughtfully crafted, with a perfect blend of insight and creativity. I always learn something new and feel inspired after reading your content. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and passion, it really makes a difference

  10. It’s now very easy to “pay someone to do my exam” these days with the help of internet. This service provides a group of committed professionals on staff who have taken practice classes before. As a result, if you are asking yourself that is there anyone who can help me with my exam then consider hiring their experts who are accessible in numerous locations and time zones. You are free to select the writers whenever you’d like for your online questionnaire. To pick which specialists are the best for giving you online exam help, you can also look at customer reviews.

  24. I used to be recommended this web site by
    way of my cousin. I am no longer positive whether this post is written via him as no one else recognise such specified approximately
    my difficulty. You are amazing! Thank you!

    Also visit my webpage – game slot

  25. spinal manipulation therapy our doctors offer spinal manipulation that doesn’t involve any drugs or surgery. Dr. Ronald Janfrional and Dr. Erick Helia D take the time to get to know our patients and get to the root of their particular health concerns.

  26. Thank you for sharing such an engaging and thoughtful blog post! Your insights into self-expression and creativity are truly inspiring. It’s refreshing to see content that encourages individuality while also being informative and relatable.
    On that note, I’d love to highlight Simply Inked, a brand that has taken the art of body adornment to the next level. They offer a wide range of tattoo designs that allow individuals to express themselves without the permanence of traditional tattoos. Their designs are not only stylish but also made with skin-safe materials, making them suitable for all occasions.
    For anyone looking to experiment with body art, Simply Inked offers some of the best removable tattoos in India. These tattoos are perfect for people who want to explore different designs, switch up their look, or try out tattoos before committing to a permanent one.
    Simply Inked stands out for its quality and innovation, catering to those who want a hassle-free and stylish way to embrace tattoo culture. Thank you again for this fantastic post, and I look forward to seeing more of your content in the future!

  32. The Flexi Cap Mutual Fund offers excellent diversification by investing across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks, making it an adaptable choice for investors. Pairing it with a SIP ensures regular investments, helping to average costs during market fluctuations.

    This combination is perfect for long-term wealth creation with reduced risk. Your blog highlights this strategy effectively, providing valuable insights for investors. Thank you for sharing such informative content!

  35. Doremi88 adalah platform permainan online yang menawarkan berbagai macam permainan dari beberapa pengembang paling terkemuka di industri ini. Platform ini dikenal dengan antarmuka yang ramah pengguna, perpustakaan permainan yang beragam, dan komitmen untuk memberikan pengalaman bermain yang berkualitas tinggi.

  37. AI is increasingly important in online education. It provides an equal opportunity to learn for every individual, no matter what background they come from. It also gives them access to quality education regardless of their economic circumstances or any other reasons. There is no doubt that artificial Intelligence in online education has provided many advantages to students. A few of them include flexibility, convenience, personalized support, efficient support and assistance, and better accessibility. AI supports diverse learning needs and is intended to provide the best support for students. However, its main motive is to only help teachers focus on their teaching and cannot replace human teaching methods.

  38. Doremi88 adalah platform permainan online yang menawarkan berbagai macam permainan dari beberapa pengembang paling terkemuka di industri ini. Platform ini dikenal dengan antarmuka yang ramah pengguna, perpustakaan permainan yang beragam, dan komitmen untuk memberikan pengalaman bermain yang berkualitas tinggi.

  39. Doremi88 adalah platform permainan online yang menawarkan berbagai macam permainan dari beberapa pengembang paling terkemuka di industri ini. Platform ini dikenal dengan antarmuka yang ramah pengguna, perpustakaan permainan yang beragam, dan komitmen memberikan pengalaman bermain yang berkualitas tinggi.

  43. Doremi88 adalah platform permainan online yang menawarkan berbagai macam permainan dari beberapa pengembang paling terkemuka di industri ini. Platform ini dikenal dengan antarmuka yang ramah pengguna, perpustakaan permainan yang beragam, dan komitmen untuk memberikan pengalaman bermain berkualitas tinggi.

  44. A very awesome blog post. We are really grateful for your blog post. You will find a lot of approaches after visiting your post. I was exactly searching for. Thanks for such post and please keep it up Check Here

  45. Took me time to read all the comments, but I really enjoyed the article. It proved to be Very helpful to me and I am sure to all the commenters here! It’s always nice when you can not only be informed, but also entertained! rtp slot akurat

  46. Thank you for sharing such an engaging and informative blog post! Your insights and attention to detail make this a fantastic read for anyone exploring creative self-expression. The way you’ve explained the nuances of tattoos is truly commendable and inspires readers to try something new.
    Speaking of tattoos, I’d like to mention Simply Inked, a brand that stands out in the world of semi-permanent and temporary tattoos. Their designs are not only trendy but also perfect for those who want to experiment without making a lifelong commitment. The quality and detail in their tattoos ensure a seamless and realistic appearance, making them a favorite among tattoo enthusiasts.
    For anyone searching for the best temporary tattoo in India, Simply Inked is a name you can trust. They offer a wide range of designs, from minimalist styles to intricate patterns, catering to diverse preferences. Their tattoos are safe, easy to apply, and long-lasting, making them an excellent choice for both special occasions and everyday wear.
    Thank you again for this wonderful post. It’s always a pleasure to come across such thoughtful content that sparks creativity and curiosity. I look forward to reading more of your inspiring articles.

  48. aviantogel is the best lottery bookie with the most trusted official license in Asia, with a trusted official license you will easily win big jackpots without having to worry about being cheated.

  49. This is my first time i visit here. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here keep up the good work https://beaubienfinefoods.com/

  50. At AirlinesTicketOffice , we take the hassle out of booking flights. Our friendly and experienced agents are here to help you choose the best routes, find the best fares, and take care of all the details. Whether you’re flying for business or pleasure, we offer personalized service to make your trip smooth and stress-free. In addition to flight bookings, we can assist with seat selection, baggage information, and special requests. Stop by today, and let us help you plan your next adventure with ease.

Leave a Reply

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