Cambodian Traditional Dancing Known abroad

Posted: 23rd April 2008

Khmer Traditional dances

Phnom Penh(C.S.C): Dancing in Cambodia is part of the Khmer identity and a precious heritage that comes from ancient times. Each traditional Khmer dance resembles the origins of the Khmer culture and the past history.

In recent years the Catholic Church in Cambodia has supported the upcoming of the traditional folk dances, helping to recreate it. One example of this cultural recreation is the “Glory to God” and “Oh! God”, dances that are usually performed on especial Catholic celebrations.

Last March 25th, 2008, the group of folkloric dance of Tahean village, of the Apostolic Prefecture of Battambang, was invited to give a presentation in Australia. This group of 29 young Khmer dancers had the opportunity to perform Khmer traditional dances during one week (May 25th to April 10th), under the leadership of Msgr. Kike Figaredo, Apostolic Prefect of
Battambang.

“The main purpose of the trip was to let Australians have a closer approach and knowledge of the Khmer culture and to increase the awareness among Australians about the problems of mines,” explained Msgr. Figaredo. In fact, thousands of Cambodians have become victims of mines antipersonnel, whether by losing life or losing a physical member.

Talking about the Khmer dances Msgr. Kike explained that it was necessary to explain with details the meaning of each dance, since people in Australia are not familiarized with the Cambodian culture. “We also tried to learn from Australians and to bring this new learning to our country”, said to CSC reporter Ms. Vi Sarith, 18, one of the young dancers. She explained that going to Australia she not only learn about their culture and its tradition but also she could learn about the high development of their country. Ms. Vi Sarith came back to Cambodia with the idea of applying to Cambodia the many good things she learned from them.

This journey during 16 days along this huge country, took them to 5 Australian cities: Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Sevenhill. Sarith said that “Though our Flolklorique group had been abroad before, we were still afraid of performing on the stage, possibly because we are aware that we are like mirrors of the Cambodian culture and tradition”.

Mr. Keo Chay, a professor of dancing who accompanied the group said to CSC reporter that, “Before performing in the stage we had to prepare all the details and to remember well the dancing rules”. In the year of 2005, this group went to Spain. Mr. Keo Chay added that, “We had a successful trip to Spain and, by the way, we had a lot of fan. We became more aware of our own culture and language but at the same time a more open mind and a better sense of solidarity with people of other countries.

Article Source: Catholic Social Communications,Cambodia