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A dark shadow loomed over Cambodia from 1975-79. The Khmer Rouge had taken over the country and their leaders sought to destroy all forms of culture and art. Dancing was prohibited, religion was banned and every school was closed, yet the spirit of preserving their own identity was preserved. Many performers were killed, but a small band of dancers managed to survive and is now making a comeback.
They are apsara.
Traditionally, apsara means the beautiful girls and they are said to be supernatural female beings. In modern time, the apsara dance is performed by both men and women.
While you’re at it, read my post about fun things to do in Siem Reap.
Table of Contents
THE NATIONAL PRIDE OF CAMBODIA
Apsara dancing is at the heart of classical Khmer dance and it goes back to the time of Suryavarman II (1113-1145), a Khmer king and the builder of Angkor Wat. The art was performed only for the royal ancestors, but it was spread throughout Cambodia and to Thailand after the Khmer Rouge regime.
WHY I WANTED TO GO TO THE APSARA DANCE
During my last visit to Cambodia, I decided to see a traditional apsara dance. Before this trip, I didn’t even know the dance existed. Like most travelers, I came to Siem Reap for Angkor Wat, but I found out this city has quite a few alternative, FUN activities. The apsara dance show is one of them.
Although I’m not particularly interested in art or dance, I do love culture. And the apsara dance was a lovely way to experience Cambodian culture. Only in Bali and Thailand have I seen similar dance performances.
You can find apsara performances on several hotels in Siem Reap, and most places have a dinner-and-show setup. I read over at Alex’ blog that Temple Bar features a free show. I went to Smile at Angkor, which to my knowledge is the priciest in town, but in return you get a great show. We got a discount through our hotel so instead of paying $38, we paid $25 including transport. I booked the tickets online through the website of Smile of Angkor.
Churning the Sea of Milk
A LITTLE HISTORY
The 70 minute show is divided into six main chapters: 1) Dialogue with God; 2) Glorious Kingdom; 3) Resurrection of the Gods; 4) Churning the Sea of Milk; 5) Prayer for Life and 6) Smile of Angkor.
During these six chapters, we heard tales from the time when the Temples of Angkor were built, and folk customs from the past and present were explained.
Glorious kingdom
The show is a dramatic blend of Cambodia’s original culture with modern-day laser show and sound system. Cambodian tunes, traditional Khmer martial art, Angkor Wat temples, festivals and the Hindu myth Churning the Sea of Milk… It’s all part of the performance.
Prayer of life
The Peacock dance
Notice the graceful movements of the Apsara dancers… You’ll also see them depicted on the walls of many of the temples and reliefs at Angkor Wat.
Resurrection of God
Traditional Cambodian songs
The apsara dance at Smile of Angkor was not only a vivid and great laser show; it was also an important insight to Cambodia’s history.
And a way to help keep it alive.
Dialogue with God
Would you go to a traditional Apsara dance?
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Looks like a spectacular show, well worth the ticket price. I totally missed out on this when I visited Cambodia, next time perhaps 🙂
Definitely, yes. The price is not aimed at backpackers, but I definitely think it was worth the splurge. I hope you get to see it next time you’re in town 🙂
Such a fascinating post, I haven’t been to Cambodia but I’m going to Bali so will make sure to see a dance there
Aw, Bali is so lovely! You should see a kecak dance, Suze. Either in Ubud or Uluwatu – it’s a special experience.
We loved Cambodia, but totally missed this as well!! Another good reason to have to go back one day 🙂
If you do, you should definitely check it out! There are so many things I want to see when I return – especially the coast and Koh Rong.
I’m a bit of a theatre / movie buff, so heck yes to going. If I’m over that way anytime soon, I’ll be sure to check it out. 🙂
Haha, I hope you do, Anna! Try to book through your hotel / hostel – they often offer a discount.
Discovered already during 20 years Thailand…
Staying in touch also with Cambodia because of my interest for history of Khmer empire long time ago…
Cambodia even today hasn’t finished to surprise us… In every senses…
So true. Cambodia is a very interesting country.
Thanks for Interesting Cambodiia.
You’re welcome. Thanks for reading!
Thanks all for being interested in this culture that was once almost extinguished.
I am from Cambodia but didn’t know about this show, thank you Miriam for this nice, informative post, definitely will go see the show.
Thank you so much for your nice comment, Sophana! I’m really glad you liked my post.
Hi! I loved your article ! Where did you find out about the history facts of the dance? I have a fascination with dance and would like to research more about Apsara.
Thank you!
Thanks, Dominique! It’s been a few years since I wrote this article so I don’t remember the fact source. Sorry.
Ah i totally missed this when I went for 3 months!! I’m going back in about a month for a couple of weeks so I sure as hell hope to see it then!
Great photos by the way!
Thanks, Angelica! You can find Apsara dance several places, but the show at Smile at Angkor is said to be the best.