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Robam Hanuman & Sovann Machha (Monkey and the Golden
mermaid Dance)
The Reamker is the Khmer version of the epic story, the Ramayana,
whose origin can be found in India. The Reamker is one of the most
beloved dance-dramas in Cambodia. It tells the story of Prince Rama's
adventures. This dance an excerpt from the Reamker, features an
important warrior in Rama's monkey army, Hanuman. Diving to the
bottom of the sea, Hanuman approaches Sovann Machha, a golden mermaid,
planning to seduce her into supporting his cause. Hanuman sings
to the mermaid queen, telling Sovann Machha that before he saw her,
he wanted to destroy the fish kingdom completely, but now he has
changed his mind. Sovann Machha replies that he shouldn't be so
arrogant or he will bring on bad karma to himself. As they dance
together their argument ceases; she agrees to help build the bridges
and he holds her in his arms.
This dance is performed by: Mr. Thavro Phim and Mrs. Sinuon
Buth
Robam Kngoak Posatt (Peacock of Pursat Dance )
This dance originated in the province of Pursat where people of
the Cardamom Mountain live. This dance is typically performed for
the spirits before going on the trip to pick the cardamom. In this
folk dance with lilting music, the dancers with full green costumes
wear crowns of real peacock feathers while weaving in and out of
choreographic formations like peacocks and peahens playing with
one another.
This dance is performed by: Sam Chhang, Lily Ngar, Julia
Daniels, Jennifer Tran, Belinda Lim, Kenitha Yim, Erica Tam, Mony
Chan, Christopher Dean, & Christian Daniels
Robam Bopha Lokey (Flower Dance)
Young girls learn this piece early in their studies of classical
dance. They sing about how people appreciate the fragrance and beauty
of flowers.
This dance is performed by: Jocelyn Tran, Somalen Sam,
Angelina Each, Leakena Yim, Aimee Boun, Monita Pen, & Veronica
Ho
Robam Krapp (Bamboo Clappers dance)
The Krapp or Bamboo slats and clappers are used to create the rhythms
that accompany the dance. This folk dance is merely an entertainment
and a celebration of the hard work achievement for Khmer people
whose life is simple and joyful. This dance is expressive of the
spontaneous joyfulness of Khmer country folk.
This dance is performed by: Our special guests, the Cambodian
youth group, from Oakland
Robam Phlet (Fan Dance)
Classical dancers manipulate decorated fans in this dance that
pairs female and male characters all performed by women.
This dance is performed by: Savary Dean, Sinuon Buth, Raline
Von-Buelow, Chandneary Buck, Sokanara Buth, Amanda Yean, Laura Mam,
Davy Chea, Sophany Phal, & Monica Pen
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