Apsara In Training
November 16, 2007
After watching dance practice at Sovanna Phum, I asked my friends if we could go to a dance school that I had read about before arriving in Cambodia. This school trained young children in the very old classical Khmer dance.
The graceful hand gestures remind me of the Hawaiian style of dance, where the hands tell a story.
I fell in love with this little dancer immediately! (Photos of me by Vir)
Keep your eyes on the hands
November 16, 2007
Traditional Khmer classical dance incorporates hand gestures that represent different things from nature such as a tree or its leaves or even its flower blossoms. The way in which dancers present their dance and the position of the their hand, arm and even feet affect the meaning of the song and dance.
I told my friends that I wished to see a local dance group so we stopped by the Sovanna Phum Art Center in Phnom Penh. The dancers were practicing for a performance for the next evening.
It was stunning to watch them mix traditional Khmer hand movements with modern dance. Amazing. I captured a few minutes on video so enjoy!
Meta House Art Gallery
November 15, 2007
Namy and I hopped on her moto and decided to check out the art work at the META HOUSE, which is a three-story art gallery. This little art house supports Cambodian artists and promotes the development of contemporary art in Cambodia. More info on their site @ Meta-House.com
These are the steps that lead to a roof-top movie theater which was playing a German film tonight. Sorry the photos are so dark. I don’t like to use flash in a gallery and I’m still learning how to adjust the setting on my camera.
Angkor: Past, Present and Future
November 14, 2007
This is one of my most cherished books ever. Vir noticed that I was fond of books because I was always checking out the used book stores. This was a gift from Vir who lives in Siem Reap. I asked him to sign it. What shall I write? Anything you want. On the inside over he wrote, “To remember your trip to the region of Angkor.”
