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Cambodia

Professional Dancers and their Contemporary Context in Cambodia
By Toni Shapiro-Phim

Dancers and arts organizations in Cambodia are responding to a contemporary environment that includes both lightning-speed development and reminders of a devastatingly violent past. During the Khmer Rouge regime (1975-1979), nearly a third of Cambodia’s population perished. Large numbers of professionally trained dancers died, with a mere 10-20 percent surviving the genocide. With the loss of so much embodied knowledge, government arts officials have publicly prioritized the preservation of Cambodia’s traditional dance heritage for more than 30 years.More ...

Choreographers

Chumvan Sodhachivy (Belle)

A Phnom Penh native, Chumvan Sodhachivy – who goes by the name of “Belle” – began her dance training in 1994 at the age of 9. She graduated from the theatre production / choreography programme at the Royal University of Fine Arts in 2007. More ...

Theatres and Institutions

Sovanna Phum Art Association

Sovanna Phum Art Association was established to provide Cambodian artists with space, time, and financial support for the creation and performance of dance, music, theatre, shadow puppetry, and circus arts. The Association also aims to contribute to the revival, preservation, and dissemination of Cambodian arts and culture to both local and international audiences. More ...

Education and Funding

Apsara Arts Association

Apsara Arts Association, a community organization, aims to provide students with a solid training in Cambodian dance and related arts. Part of their mission is to recognize the accomplishments of older teachers and to transfer their knowledge and experience to the next generation. More ...