What an awesome experience - To see the great Apsara Dance after a long time of suppression

King Sihanouk released the traditional harem of royal apsara (heavenly nymphs) that went with the crown. Classical ballet was taught at the palace, before the Pol Pot era - its traditions stretched long into the past , when the art of the apsara resounded to the glory of the divine king.

The Apsara is unique to Cambodia, devised by King Sihanouk’s mother as a means of bringing history to life. Dance fared badly during the Pol Pot years, with only very few dancers and teachers left, including only one old woman who knew how to make the elaborate costumes that are sewn piece by piece onto the dancers before a performance.

Much of Cambodian royal Apsara dance resembled that of India and Thailand; the same stylised hand movements, the same sequined, lame costumes and the same opulent headwear. Traditionally the royal dance was all-female (with the exception of the role of the monkey). Now there are male dancers. Cambodian folk dances such as “the wishing dance” or the “fishing dance” often have roots in spirit worship, and represent asking the gods for a good harvest, a good catch or better rainfall.

The bas-reliefs on some of the monuments in the Angkor region show musicians and apsara holding instruments that are similar to the traditional Khmer instruments (three-stringed fiddle, single-stringed bow instrument) of today.

During the Pol Pot era, the Khmer Rouge targeted famous singers and Cambodia’s most famous songwriter and performer, was executed in the first day of the regime.

Our Apsara dance show continued for about 2 hours – each dance symbolizing a story. These young girls were exquisite - their costumes rich in blue, gold, pink, red ………. Shimmering under the lamps that were placed around the small stage in the garden, in front of us. But best of all were their hands - the movements they made, bending their wrists, pointing their dainty little fingers at every angle ……… their feet were also small and pointed, and sometimes they would take these slow, slow steps ………. Very much in control of their bodies, turning around on their toes with hands outstretched like the wings of a bird. It was magnificent!! All the girls looked exactly the same: with elaborate make-up on their creamy white skins, black hair done up, tucked away under a huge head piece!!

At the end of this ancient dance ceremony, I took a picture of Louis amongst these beautiful, gracious girls.

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