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Cambodian classical ballet or royal court dance originated over a thousand
years ago with the time of the Khmer Empire at Angkor.
It came close to extinction in the fifteenth century when the Siamese.
overtook the Khmer Empire
taking most of its dance troupes back to Siam.
Royal court dance managed to survive into the early twentieth century during the reign
of King Sisowath.
After World War II, Cambodian classical ballet underwent a renaissance
brought on by Former Queen Kossomak.
Her granddaughter Princess Bopha Devi became the prima ballerina and starred in
Cambodia's classic feature film "Apsara"
directed by the King himself.
Royal court dance suffered a huge blow again during the Khmer Rouge Regime.
Cambodian citizens were deported to the countryside when ninety percent of the
teachers and dancers were killed.
A few escaped to the Thai-Cambodian border refugee camps.
following the Khmer Rouge Period, Princess Bopha Devi dedicated her
life to preserving the art of Cambodian classical ballet.
Her efforts came to fruition in 2003 when Cambodian classical
ballet was recognized by UNESCO as intangible heritage.
On the outskirts of Phnom Penh stands the National Dance School where
the country's best dancers are selected for their grace and flexibility.
Here, the desire to be recognized as a royal court dancer is still a
powerful motive for students ensuring that Cambodian classical ballet survives
in the twenty-first century.