Lokru Tim Chan Thou

Lok Kru Tim Chan Thou is the visionary founder of Angkor Dance Troupe and a lifelong steward of Cambodian cultural heritage. A survivor of the Khmer Rouge regime, Lok Kru Tim found solace and purpose through the arts while enduring the hardships of life in refugee camps. It was during his time at the Kao-I-Dang camp that he deepened his commitment to Khmer classical dance—a tradition rooted in his family’s artistic lineage.

In 1986, determined to preserve Cambodia’s sacred traditions and rebuild a fractured cultural identity, Lok Kru Tim established Angkor Dance Troupe in Lowell, Massachusetts. His founding vision was not only to safeguard classical dance and music, but to empower youth, foster pride, and reconnect Cambodian Americans to their ancestral roots.

For nearly four decades, Lok Kru Tim has dedicated his life to this mission—serving as a mentor, teacher, and cultural leader. His presence continues to shape the Troupe’s work and inspire generations to carry forward the beauty, resilience, and spirit of Khmer performing arts.