The Apsara Dance is a part of the Royal Bullet Dance, a special kind of traditional Cambodian dance. It’s like a window into Cambodia’s rich history and culture. What makes it so amazing are the graceful movements of the dancers, the beautiful costumes they wear, and the stories that the dance tells. By holding a profound cultural significance, Apsara dance was traditionally reserved for national events, royal occasions, official state ceremonies, and other esteemed occasions.
When was It born?
This classical dance was originated by the director of Sothearos School in the 1950s, known as “Princess Norodom Rasmi Sobhana or “Samdech Preah Reach Kanitha Norodom Rasmi Sobhana,”who was the sister of King Norodom Suramarit. The princess had a visionary idea of introducing this dance as a way to honor and acknowledge exceptional students who took part in an annual end-of-school-year program. Princess Norodom Rasmi Sobhana initially taught this dance to Princess Norodom Vichara, the daughter of King Norodom Suramarit, as the lead dancer in 1958.
(Princess Norodom Rasmi Sobhana)
In the following year, Princess Norodom Socheatavatey, the daughter of King Norodom Sihanouk, took the stage to perform Dance. Princess Socheatavatey was a student of Chea Samy, a renowned dance instructor at both the Royal Palace and Sothearos School during that era.
Who Promoted the Apsara Dance?
Princess Norodom Buppha Devi, the daughter of His Majesty King Norodom Sihanouk, was the dancer who elevated the prestige of this classical dance on the international stage. The princess was given the honour of being the inaugural choreographer for the Apsara Dance presented by Queen Sisowath Monivong Kossamak Nearirath Sereywattana, during the state visit of President Charles de Gaulle of the Republic of France to the Kingdom of Cambodia in 1964. Following the successful performance, the princess was granted the opportunity by her father, King Norodom Sihanouk, to accompany him and perform the Royal Ballet dance on various state visits around the globe, for both local and international guests.
What Inspired the Creation of the Apsara Dance?
As mentioned in the book “Apsara Dance” published by the Ministry of Culture and Fine Art in Cambodia, it is revealed that the inspiration for this Dance originated from the exquisite and graceful movements depicted on the walls of Angkor Wat, where numerous Apsara statues dancing beautifully in many forms.
(Princess Norodom Buppha Devi)
Today, the Apsara dance enjoys international recognition. It’s a symbol of Cambodian culture, performed not just in royal courts but also for audiences worldwide. In 2003, UNESCO even inscribed the Royal Ballet of Cambodia, which includes the Apsara dance, as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
Source: “APSARA” from Indian Mythology to Khmer Sculpture and Khmer Classical Dance, By Dr. Som Somony, full membership of the Royal Academy of Cambodia.
Photos by: របាំខ្មែរ ROBAM KHMER | Amazing Kingdoms | ចេង ច័ន្ទសុវណ្ណឧត្តម and Measbandol Poum
