Classical Dance

Classical Cambodian dance (also known as court dance) is Cambodia’s most precious art form. More than 1000 years ago classical dance was established as a bridge between the gods and the kings - the spiritual and the natural world. In the modern era, classical dancers performed for royal rituals as well as privileged visitors to the palace.

When the Pol Pot Regime took over the country, classical dance performances, education, and religion were prohibited. It is estimated that 90% of all Cambodian artists perished between 1975-1979. Since the early 1980’s, classical dance has become an egalitarian art form taught by former dance masters at the Royal University of Fine Arts in Phnom Penh. Today, classical dance continues to define the cultural identity and legacy of the Cambodian people.

In classical dance the movements require a command of techniques, which demand flexibility, accuracy, and control of movements. With fingers curved backwards, an arching spine, bent knees, and toes flexed upwards, the fully grounded dancer moves with precise balance and divine grace.

Classical dance is accompanied by a Pin Peat Orchestra, the oldest and most revered orchestra in Cambodia. The Pin Peat is largely percussive and also accompanies the shadow theatre, all-male dance-dramas, and temple ceremonies. Although songs for each dance are different, there are certain motifs that are used in every song that illustrate entrances, exits, and characteristic movements like crying, flying, or walking, etc.

Folk Dance

Physical style, story-line, and costuming are different in folk dance than in classical court dance. Folk dances come in two forms: Ceremonial folk dances which are traditionally performed as part of particular rituals, celebrations, and holidays; and theatrical folk dances which interpret the life and daily activities found in the countryside. Most folk dances were developed by teachers and professional dancers at the Royal University of Fine Arts in Phnom Penh in the 1960s in an effort to preserve Cambodian culture and arts.

Image on left : Charya with her master teacher Soth Sam-On, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.