Cambodian Classical Dance

Cambodian Classical Dance

Cambodia was once a country with eight million people and a culture that was heavily influenced by dance. It wasn't until Pol Pot took control from 1975 to 1979 that nearly one fourth of its population was killed by being starved, tortured or murdered. At this time, the Khmer Rouge executed anyone with a connection to royalty. With nearly 90 percent of the dance population eradicated the traditional Cambodian dance had to be revived by the surviving dance masters. Through Sampeah Kru students would ask both the living and deceased teachers for permission to learn and perform a character's dance. Character costumes were sewn onto the performers and were not to be taken off until after the last performance.

The most interesting aspects of the dance were the four traditional characters: the gentle female, brave male, forceful giant and the monkey. Each of the characters movements throughout the dance are influenced by their symbolism. Probably the most significant character is the monkey, which to my surprise the only character performed by a man. The monkey was more athletic and acrobatic than the other characters and typically represented good. People are passionate about performing certain roles and try to perform such roles to their best ability. The performances are important in communicating and acknowledging their ancestral accomplishments, which is why till this day, Cambodians are still continuously fighting in hopes that the dance will stay alive after they past.