Khmer Classical Dance, Koulen II, Cambodia

The indigenous ballet-like performance art of Cambodia, is frequently called "Apsara Dance". It shares some similarities with the classical dances of Thailand and Laos. The Apsara dance is particularly inspired by the style from around one thousand Apsara statues in Angkor Wat.





Taken with Nikon D60, dated May 2009


In the Apsara dance, women dressed in skin-tight silk tunics embellished with gold and silver thread, barefoot but wearing ornate headdresses and with outstretched arms. The dancers perform slow, graceful movements accompanied by a percussive ensemble known as the Pinpeat. The Pinpeat orchestras include drums, gong, bamboo xylophones and stringed instruments.





Taken with Nikon D60, dated May 2009


The visitors can attend one of the nightly dinner performances at a local restaurant or hotel of Siem Reap. I watched the Apsara-Cambodia's traditional dance show with common buffet at Koulen II Restaurant in Siem Reap, cost US$12 (drink not included).