Khmer Classical Dance

I was recently in Cambodia and had the privilege of seeing the Apsara Dance School in Phnom Penh. Aspara is a dance traditionally performed by young Cambodian women to welcome the Thai Gods into a temple as well as to honor the Aspara, female divinity of the Khmer Civilization. Khmer dancers use a variety of movements and gestures similar to mimes to tell a story. Hand gestures in Khmer classical dance are called kbach (meaning style). These hand gestures form a sort of alphabet and represent various things from nature such as fruit, flowers, and leaves. Dancers do not speak, sing, or even open their mouths! Many critics find this art form abstract and vague due to the small movements and lack of expression, however, I believe that these small gestures and lack facial are expressions are to show respect to both your king and gods by trying not to out shine them.

The Khmer Classical Dance style suffered a huge blow during the Khmer Rouge regime. The Khmer Rouge regime was a communist regime that ruled Cambodia from 1975-1979. Pol Pot, the leader of the Khmer Rouge, believed that educated and aristocratic citizens were a threat to his power, and in order to eliminate this threat he killed over 1.5 million educated citizens and their families. The Khmer dancers suffered from these killings because Pol Pot considered dance to be an aristocratic institution. Surviving dancers came out of hiding when the Khmer Rouge fell and most joined the Royal University of Fine Arts. Through these schools the dance technique was preserved and is still considered a very important tradition. In these schools dancers study for seven years until they can be professional. The desired body is dainty and curvy. Desired curves are in the back, hands, elbows, and knees. Male bodies should also be slim, but males must be able to do acrobatics moves so they must have strength and balance.

Four main types of roles exist in Khmer classical dance; néay rông (men), néang (maidens), yéak (ogres or yaksha), and the sva (monkeys). Most roles are played by women, however, the monkey is soley played by a man due to the acrobatics involved. Classical dance costumes are highly ornate and heavily embroidered, sometimes including sequins and even semi-precious gems.

The music used for Khmer classical dance is played by a pinpeat orchestra. This type of orchestra consists of several types of xylophones, drums, oboes, gongs, and other musical instruments. While the pinpeat orchestra is not playing, the dancers sing to tell the story.