Of Dance and Dust

A Poem about Cambodian Classical Dance

Cambodian Classical Dance (robam) is an ancient art form that acted as a bridge between heaven and earth, celestial beings and people. After years of training of movement control and flexibility, dancers perform to call upon the Gods to provide rains and blessings for the land. 

The legacy of Robam was nearly eradicated in the 1970s, when Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge entered Cambodia and was responsible for the demise of nearly one-third of the population. Approximately 90% of all artists had been systematically singled out and eradicated. Today, artists are working diligently to preserve this ancient art form that has continued to serve as a pinnacle of Cambodian culture. 

Learn more about robam here.