The Moni Mekhala is a Khmer classical dance telling the story of the storm demon Ream Eyso as he pursues the goddess Moni Mekhala. It is among the most sacred of the classical dances and was created to bring rain upon the land.

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The Moni Mekhala is one of the many Khmer dances taught at the Angkor Dance Troupe. Check out our current programs to see how you can participate in one of our activities.

The Moni Mekhala 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.

As the dance begins, we see Moni Mekhala preparing to go out and dance with other Gods and Goddesses in the heavens. On her way, she is accosted by Ream Eyso, who is quite jealous and craves the powerful glittering ball. A confrontation ensures. Ream Eyso alternates between force – knocking her down – and persuasion – putting away his ax and pleading with her.

Moni Mekhala teases him by holding the ball out very close. Then she tosses the crystal, momentarily blinding him. This brings Ream Eyso to his knees, giving her just enough time to glide away. Ream Eyso is not down for long, though; he gets back up and eventually resumes this eternal battle with Moni Mekhala.

It is said that the flash of Moni Mekhala’s crystal is what we know as lightning, and the crashing of Ream Eyso’s ax is thunder.

This is one of the most sacred dances in the Cambodian classical repertoire and is still performed in Cambodia in ceremonies to pray for rain.

The beauty and exquisite appearance of each dancer in the Moni Mekhala is preceded by an elaborate preparation time where each dancer prepares not only physically but mentally for the role they will perform. Take a sneak peak backstage to view how master teachers prepare performers to dance the Moni Mekhala.

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Learn more about the costuming through the many programs we offer to youth.

Khmer dance gestures are a significant part of the story of the dance. Along with movement, hand gestures tell a story to the audience.

Each hand gesture signifies something different and is often performed in unison with other gestures, often in a very specific order. Many dances use common gestures.

Explore the meaning of Khmer hand gestures as you learn more about the beauty and the story of the dance.