At Angkor Dance Troupe, we teach more than technique; we build identity, resilience, and leadership. Rooted in tradition and designed for the future, our programs help Cambodian youth connect to their heritage while developing skills that carry into every part of life.
From classical and folk dance to traditional music, residencies, and leadership development, each program is a space for cultural expression, personal transformation, and inter-generational learning.
Beyond performing, these experiences allow our students to develop confidence, stage presence, and a deeper appreciation for their heritage. By bringing Khmer traditions to life through dance, they share Cambodian culture with global audiences while ensuring its preservation for future generations.
Curtis "Chad" and Brianna Mai are siblings and Principal Dancers and Senior Instructors, who have been part of Angkor Dance Troupe family for most of their lives (Chad for over 15 and Brianna for over 20 years).
“When we first joined, it was our mother’s hope that we would connect with our culture and community. Through ADT, I’ve not only embraced my Cambodian roots, but also found a deep sense of belonging. It has pushed me beyond my comfort zone, strengthened my relationships, and shaped me into the person I am today.”
— Brianna Mai, Principal Dancer & Senior Instructor
Program Structure
Angkor Dance Troupe’s cultural education programs offer students a structured path to learn, grow, and perform in the art of Cambodian classical and folk dance and music. Below is an overview of how our programs are designed:
🗓 Class Schedule
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Classes are held every Sunday, excluding major holidays.
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Beginner-level students attend from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM.
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Intermediate and advanced-level students train from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
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Classes are taught in Khmer and English to accommodate a diverse student base.
🎓 Student Eligibility & Tuition
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Students as young as 6 years old are welcome to join.
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A nominal fee of $60 per 12-week semester is required.
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Scholarships are available for families experiencing financial hardship (subject to availability).
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We welcome students of all backgrounds, including those with no prior experience.
💃 What We Teach
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Students can choose to study Classical Dance, Folk Dance, or Traditional Music.
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Our instructors include master teachers with over a decade of experience in both performance and instruction.
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Training is culturally immersive, emphasizing discipline, artistic expression, and heritage.
🧭 Student Progression
Students advance through levels based on their skill development, attendance, and dedication.
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Beginner Level: Introduction to posture, hand gestures (kbach), basic rhythm, musical scales, and foundational movements.
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Intermediate Level: Students deepen their technical skills, learn choreography, and build performance confidence.
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Advanced Level: Students work on refinement, complex pieces, and stage presence. Many are invited to join public performances.
🎭 Performance Opportunities
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At the end of each semester, students perform in a community recital.
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Outstanding students are invited to represent ADT at:
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Cultural festivals (e.g., Southeast Asian Water Festival)
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Educational events and community celebrations
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Special performances and collaborations—with stipends where available.
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👕 Dress Code & Costumes
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Students must attend class in appropriate attire for movement (e.g., sarong or fitted practice wear).
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For performances, students are required to wear Khmer dance costumes, which can be purchased. ADT does not currently provide costumes.
✨ Commitment to Excellence
Through every class and performance, students don’t just master steps and rhythms—they discover confidence, cultivate identity, and become mentors in their own right. Many go on to teach, choreograph, and serve as cultural leaders within the community.
Angkor Dance Troupe’s cultural education programs offer students a structured path to learn, grow, and perform in the art of Cambodian classical and folk dance and music. Below is an overview of how our programs are designed:
🗓 Class Schedule
-
Classes are held every Sunday, excluding major holidays.
-
Beginner-level students attend from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM.
-
Intermediate and advanced-level students train from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
-
Classes are taught in Khmer and English to accommodate a diverse student base.
🎓 Student Eligibility & Tuition
-
Students as young as 6 years old are welcome to join.
-
A nominal fee of $60 per 12-week semester is required.
-
Scholarships are available for families experiencing financial hardship (subject to availability).
-
We welcome students of all backgrounds, including those with no prior experience.
💃 What We Teach
-
Students can choose to study Classical Dance, Folk Dance, or Traditional Music.
-
Our instructors include master teachers with over a decade of experience in both performance and instruction.
-
Training is culturally immersive, emphasizing discipline, artistic expression, and heritage.
🧭 Student Progression
Students advance through levels based on their skill development, attendance, and dedication.
-
Beginner Level: Introduction to posture, hand gestures (kbach), basic rhythm, musical scales, and foundational movements.
-
Intermediate Level: Students deepen their technical skills, learn choreography, and build performance confidence.
-
Advanced Level: Students work on refinement, complex pieces, and stage presence. Many are invited to join public performances.
🎭 Performance Opportunities
-
At the end of each semester, students perform in a community recital.
-
Outstanding students are invited to represent ADT at:
-
Cultural festivals (e.g., Southeast Asian Water Festival)
-
Educational events and community celebrations
-
Special performances and collaborations—with stipends where available.
-
👕 Dress Code & Costumes
-
Students must attend class in appropriate attire for movement (e.g., sarong or fitted practice wear).
-
For performances, students are required to wear Khmer dance costumes, which can be purchased. ADT does not currently provide costumes.
✨ Commitment to Excellence
Our programs aim to nurture not just technical skills, but also confidence, cultural identity, and leadership in our youth. Every class, rehearsal, and performance is an opportunity to build the next generation of Cambodian artists and cultural ambassadors.
Program Schedule & Fees
Dance Program
Our core program offers training in traditional Khmer classical and folk dance for youth ages 6 and up. Students develop discipline, cultural pride, and performance skills through weekly classes taught by master artists. Performances are held at the end of each semester.
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Duration: 12 weeks (Fall & Spring), 6 weeks (Summer)
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Cost: $60 per semester
Summer Nights Program
Funded by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), this free summer program provides accessible dance training, cultural enrichment, and performance opportunities for youth. Participants also go on exciting field trips, including visits to Boston Harbor Islands and Myles Standish State Forest, where they experience and learn about American historical parks and natural landmarks.
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Duration: July 1 – September 2
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Cost: Free
Music Program
Students learn to play traditional Cambodian instruments such as the roneat, skor, and tro under the guidance of experienced musicians. This program fosters a deeper appreciation of Khmer culture and strengthens rhythm, coordination, and teamwork.
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Duration: 12 weeks (Fall & Spring), 6 weeks (Summer)
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Cost: $60 per semester
School Residency Program
Offered in partnership with local schools such as Butler Middle School and Bartlett Community Partnership School, this free 8-week program introduces middle school students to Khmer classical dance through in-school workshops that culminate in a final performance. It supports cultural education and youth engagement.
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Duration: 8 weeks
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Cost: Free
Please note: Due to high demand and limited capacity, we are not accepting new student applications at this time. All submissions will be placed on a waitlist and reviewed as space becomes available.
📋 Policies
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Attendance: Students are expected to attend all classes regularly. More than two unexcused absences per semester may affect performance eligibility or progression.
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Punctuality: Please arrive 10–15 minutes before class begins. Late arrivals may be asked to observe instead of participate.
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Respect: All students must treat teachers, peers, and the studio environment with respect. Disruptive behavior is not tolerated.
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Dress Code: Students must wear proper attire for movement (sarong, fitted shirt, etc.). Costumes for performances must be purchased separately.
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Parental Supervision: Children under age 10 must be accompanied by an adult guardian while at the studio.
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Scholarship Expectations: Students receiving scholarships are expected to attend all classes and participate in performances and outreach activities when asked.
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Media Release: ADT may document classes and performances for promotional or educational purposes. A media release form is required upon enrollment.
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Code of Conduct: All participants must adhere to ADT’s community values of discipline, cultural pride, humility, and teamwork.
Contact Us
Our Locations
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
Email: info@angkordance.org
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
Western Ave Studios
122 Western Ave. Lowell, MA 01851
Hours will vary. Please contact us if you would like to schedule a visit.