At the invitation of the Cambodia-Japan Collaborative Dance and Cultural Performance Committee, The Sacred Dancers of Angkor visited Japan from Cambodia from March 28th until April 3rd, 2017. This dance troupe is composed of young people from the surrounding villages of the Angkor Ruins, which has acquired dance skills rich in grace and spirituality. Princess Buppha Devi, the leading expert in Cambodian dance serves as the president. In addition to the dance drama "Ramayana", various traditional dances were presented, including Noh featuring the theme of "The Heavenly Maiden’s Dance" and a collaborative dance with traditional Japanese dance. A lecture was also given by researchers regarding the origin of the dance observable in the stone statues of Angkor Wat. The performance attempted to present the culture of dance from various angles.
- Related Countries
- Japan, Cambodia
- Co-organizer(s), Cooperator(s)
- Sacred Dancers of Angkor
- KOH LO SHA
From the Organizer
While Cambodian dance is not known in Japan so much, the event could introduce highly proficient, authentic traditional dance to Japan. The performance held at Sumida Triphony Hall was especially wonderful in terms of content. It seemed to be successful, partly due to the attendance of their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Akishino and because of the big hall being filled with guests. Meanwhile, Japanese dance culture is still not as known in Cambodia. We will explore future prospects and problems after considering what kind of common elements there are in both of the dance cultures, as well as among the different elements, the things that make the citizens of the other country interested.
