Apsara Angkor in Siem Reap for Khmer Traditional Dance
<<>> Apsara Angkor cultural dancing gives a wonderful addition to your temple tours. No visit to Siem Reap is complete without attending at least one traditional dance performance. The tradition of the dance stretches back over a thousand years and the classical dance of today is said to be connected by an unbroken tradition back to the dance practiced in the courts of the Angkorian monarchs. The celestial dancers that adorn the walls of the temples attest to this fact. This dancing receives its inspiration from the mythological court of the gods and from its celestial dancers. The dancers represent a female spirit of the clouds and are young women of great beauty and elegance. Who are proficient in the art of dancing and entertain the gods and fallen heroes. The Khmer Apsaras perform traditional dancing, which is part of the rich cultural heritage of the area, and shows can be found in a number of venues in the Siem Reap area, villages and temples. Dancers, singers and musicians combine to present a selection of traditional dances, which are, characterise by the ornate costuming, taut posture, arched back and feet, fingers flexed backwards, codified facial expressions and delicate but flowing hand movements, slow and close. Many of the dance performances in Siem Reap consist of 4-6 individual dances.
The dancers may be the focal point but the traditional live music holds a major role in the entertainment. The orchestra or ‘Pinpeat’ has a strong emphasis on percussion and singing. The Samphor which is a two-skin horizontal drum which leads the orchestra and sets the rhythm. This is supported by the oblique drums Skor Thom and the Chhing a small bronze cymbal. The circle of gongs The Kong Thom sets the main melody while the Roneat Ek (Xylophone) and Roneat Dek (Metalophone) bring in the variations. The only wind instrument is the Sralia (Oboe) that sets the pitch for the orchestra. When you attend an cultural show you will find out just how proficient the musicians and singers are. The dancers train by daily excersises to achieve an extremely supple body to convey the demanding postures of the various dances. The Apsara Dance is a Classical dance inspired by the apsara carvings and sculptures of Angkor. This dance was performed at offering ceremonies and palace celebrations. The Asparas, half-women and half-goddess, are heavenly dancers whose circular movements, posture and litheness of their gestures symbolise how the hover between heaven and earth.
The Fishing Dance is a playful, energetic folk dance. A group of young men and women are fishing with the traditional rattan baskets and scoops, A couple separates from the group to flirt with each other, he comes on a bit to strong leading to her coy rejection. He tries harder to win her back, which brings only further rejection. He gently apologizes on bended knee and draws a smile from her. The group returns and the couple startled and embarrassed both rush to their 'proper' roles once again. The men and women exit at opposite sides of the stage, leaving the couple almost alone, but under pressure of the groups, they separate, leaving in opposite directions, yet with index finger placed to mouth, there is a hint of a secret promise to meet again. The Best Wishes Dance is performed to give a blessing to kings, heads of state and guests. The scattered flowers are symbolic of wishing you everlasting happiness and prosperity. The highly rhythmical and joyous Coconut Dance is performed at weddings to express joy and harmony in life. The Mekhala Dance is a metaphor for the victory of good over evil. Armed with a crystal ball that casts bolts of lightening, the goddess of waters Moni Mekhala triumphs over the demon Ream Eysaur, whose axe is creating thunder. The two central characters also illustrate the victory of the beneficial rain over the dry season. Apsara Siem Reap shows are not to be missed. <<>>
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