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Our Story
Between 1975 and 1979, the Khmer Rouge carried out one of the most devastating genocides in modern history, killing nearly two million Cambodians in their pursuit of an "agrarian utopia." Intellectuals, educators, artists, and cultural leaders were systematically targeted, as the regime sought to eliminate knowledge, history, and artistic expression - viewing them as threats to their totalitarian control. An estimated 90% of Cambodia's classical artists perished, pushing the rich traditions of Khmer dance and music to the brink of extinction.
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In the aftermath of this profound human and cultural loss, hundreds of thousands of Cambodian refugees fled their homeland. Through the U.S. Refugee Act of 1980, approximately 30,000 Cambodian refugees were resettled in Lowell, Massachusetts, forming what remains today the second-largest Cambodian community in the United States.
In 1986, Tim and fellow refugees (many with roots in Cambodia’s rich performing arts traditions) founded Angkor Dance Troupe (ADT) in Lowell. Their mission was not only to preserve Khmer performing arts but to use them as a powerful means of community healing, resilience, and cultural continuity.
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What began as a small group practicing in cramped apartments spaces blossomed into a nationally recognized institution that has trained over 7,000 students and performed at prestigious venues worldwide, including the White House in 1999.
Among them was Tim Chan Thou, a young man who had endured forced labor camps and the loss of his parents and four siblings. Dance became his refuge. He trained in Cambodian folk dance and earned certification as an instructor at the Kao-I-Dang refugee camp along the Thai-Cambodian border before being sponsored to America at the age of 21. Descended from a grandmother who was a master classical dancer and teacher, Tim carried forward a lineage nearly lost to genocide.
Early media coverage of ADT’s performances and community impact.
Lokru Tim demonstrating the “Robam Nesat,” or “Fishing Dance” in the 1990s.
“More than a dance troupe, ADT is a living testament to cultural resilience - a bridge connecting past traditions to future generations.”
In a world where cultural heritage is often at risk, ADT ensures Cambodian performing arts not only survive but flourish. Through movement, music, and education, ADT empowers youth, strengthens community bonds, and preserves Cambodia’s rich artistic legacy. Our students don’t just learn to dance; they become cultural ambassadors, mentors, and leaders, carrying forward stories of survival, hope, and transformation.
Our Story
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Stay in Touch!
Subscribe to our newsletters and follow our social media to learn about upcoming performances, program updates, and how you can support Angkor Dance Troupe.
​Office: (978) 275-1823
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Email: info@angkordance.org
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Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 1553
Lowell, MA 01853
Lowell National Historical Park,
Patrick J. Mogan Cultural Center
40 French St. 3rd Floor, Lowell, MA 01852
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Western Ave Studios
122 Western Ave.​ Lowell, MA 01851
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Hours will vary. Please contact us if you would like to schedule a visit.
