Join us on facebook!Angkor Dance Troupe has developed an extensive repertoire of classical and folk dances over its more than 20 years life. The dances are, for the most part, faithful to the choreography of the Royal University of Fine Arts instruction. From time to time, Angkor adds its own personal touch to a dance; for example, the Monkey Dance incorporates American hip hop moves while staying true to the traditional forms.
Classical dance has been connected to the sacred rituals of Cambodia for more than one thousand years. During the great Angkorian civilization, dancers performed blessing ceremonies to bring prosperity to the Kingdom. Elegant and refined, classical dance combines highly stylized positions and gestures with gentle movements. Classical dances are confined to strict forms and prescribed language of movement. Classical costumes are very elaborate and the dancers are sewn into their costumes. Once reserved exclusively for Cambodia’s royal elite, classical dances are now performed for audiences around the world and symbolize the beauty and spirituality of the Cambodian culture.
- Tep Monorom Dance
(The Dance of the Gods and Goddesses of Happiness) - This dance, often considered the most beautiful in the classical repertory, embodies and displays the well-being, friendship, and prosperity of the Cambodian people.
- Hanuman & Sovann Macha
(The White Monkey and the Golden Mermaid) - The Mermaid Dance intrigues us with the abduction of a queen, her rescue by an army general, and the mischievousness of a beautiful golden mermaid. The monkey general falls in love with the lovely mermaid and wins her over to be a partner against evil.
- The Moni Mekhala and Ream Eyso
(Giant) - This dance demonstrates the age-old Cambodian legend of thunder and lightning. Moni Mekhala and Ream Eyso were, at one time, both students of the same teacher and both strived very hard to be his favorite. In the end, the teacher favored the goddess, Moni Mekhala, and rewarded her with a beautiful and very powerful crystal made from the morning dew. The storm demon, Ream Eyso, was given an ax as a consolation prize.
- The Blessing Dance
- The Blessing Dance was first performed in Cambodia to rid the palace of bad spirits and to bless the kingdom. Today the blessing dance is performed at the beginning of all types of performances and ceremonies – special occasions like a wedding – to bless the event and to welcome honored guests. During the performance, the dancers come forward and sprinkle flower petals toward the audience. This is done in the hope of bringing you peace, prosperity, and good health.
- The Apsara Dance
- This dance reflects one of the origin myths in Cambodia, depicting the union of Mera, a celestial dancer, and Kambu, a wise man.
- The Swva Pol – the Monkey Dance/Break Dance
- In Cambodian legend, monkeys always fight evil and are army soldiers. In this dance, the soldiers are celebrating a big win. They are gathering food for a feast. The monkey dance is lively and acrobatic, always performed by young boys, who capture the spirit and quick mannerisms of monkeys.
The following dances are considered to be classical dances
Folk dances are rooted in rural Cambodia and depict rituals of everyday village life. The dances honor skills that are typically undervalued in the rush toward modern life, such as fishing and harvesting rice. Dance motifs are commonly based on local legends and inspired by themes of nature, as well as ceremonies and customs that shape the lives of the Khmer people. Just as classical dance is ruled by a strict form and prescribed language of movement, folk dance is offered as spontaneous and was created for emotional expressions. Costumes are very colorful and reflect the traditional dress of the particular province or ethnic group within Cambodia where the dances originate.
- The Coconut Shell Dance
- The Coconut Shell Dance is one of the most popular and well-known of the Cambodian folk dances and embodies and displays the well-being, friendship, and prosperity of the Cambodian people.
- The Fishing Dance
- The Fishing Dance is a Khmer folk dance. Folk dances are rooted in rural Cambodia and depict rituals of everyday village life. The Fishing Dance highlights love and romance against the background of fishing. The Fishing Dance features the story of 2 khmer youth falling in love.