Apsara Dance Performances
01/10/2009 - 30/09/2010
Place of event: Various locations in Siem Reap
Many people would argue that a trip to Siem Reap and Cambodia is not complete without attending a traditional Cambodian dance performance. This ancient art form and beautiful dances have played a major part in Khmer culture for more than thousand years and have seen a great revival over the last few years.
Dance performance by the Sangkheum Center for Children...
During the Angkorian era, Apsara dance performances were enjoyed by Kings and common people alike. The dances are perhaps better described as 'dance-dramas' as they also convey a story or message which also can be found portrayed several places in the Angkor temples. It has played an important role of the Khmer cultural heritage, but like many other Cambodian cultural traditions, Apsara dancing was almost destroyed during the Khmer Rouge regime. Due to the increased interest for Cambodian culture and, in large part the extraordinary efforts of Her Excellency Princess Bopha Devi, the ancient art form has seen a great revival and today you will find many places with regular shows and performances in Siem Reap and Cambodia.
Some of the most popular places include:
Soria Moria Boutique Hotel
Regular performances every Friday by young adults from the Sangkheum Center for Children.
Dance performances are free of charge, but donations to the center is much appreciated.
Advance bookings highly recommended.
Angkor Village Apsara Theatre
Perhaps one of the best performance theatres in Siem Reap.
Regular Performances
Advance bookings are recommended
Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor
The Apsara Theatre at Grand Hotel d'Angkor is a Siem Reap classic and located next to the riverside and the Royal Gardens.
Regular performances
Advance bookings are recommended
Le Meridien Angkor
Regular performances
Advance bookings are recommended
Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort
Regular performances
Advance bookings are recommended
Amansara
Traditional dance performances by Sangkheum Centre for Children
In-house guests only
Hotel de la Paix
Traditional dance performances by Sangkheum Centre for Children
Special occasions
Amazon Angkor
Daily dance performances. Very popular with tour groups. Including buffet dinner.
Advance bookings are recommended
Kulen II
Daily performances. Popular with tour groups. Including buffet dinner.
Advance bookings are recommended
Tonle Mekong
Daily performances. Popular with tour groups. Including buffet dinner.
Advance bookings are recommended.
FURTHER READING:
Cambodian Dance: Celebration of the Gods
by Denise Heywood
River Books Press (April 25, 2009)
History of traditional Camboian dances...
Earth In Flower: The Divine Mystery of the Cambodian Dance Drama
by Paul Cravath, Kent Davis (Introduction)
DatASIA, Inc.; 1 edition (May 30, 2008)
Presents the subtle nature of the dancers' mysterious elegance and their historical, ritual, political, and aesthetic power in traditional Cambodia...
Khmer Costumes & Ornaments: After the Devata of Angkor Wat
by Sappho Marchal
Orchid Press; illustrated edition (July 24, 2006)
Ornaments and costumes depicted on the stone reliefs of Angkor Wat...
Royal Ballet of Cambodia (DVD)
National Archives and Records Administration
Historical recordings documenting the work of the Royal Ballet of Cambodia inclufing dress rehearsal, costume design, mask-making and a solo dance by Her Excellency Princess Norodom Bopha Devi.
