Khmer dancing in the south
Update at 10/01/2010 10:28
Khmer’s culture is famous with dancing heritage being suffered Indian culture but still full of traditional identity, contributing original creation to glorious artistic flower-garden of Vietnamese brotherhood minorities.
Khmer’s dance early came into being with Robam stage, a kind of traditional musical drama describing state of mind, events and legends through dancing language. Almost Robam works are legends, which is condition for promoting effects of dance.
Duke musical drama appeared latterly. Dance didn’t take the vital role as in Robam, however it started depicting state of mind and image symbolizing portrayals of animals: genie bird (Krud), ogress (Yeak), basilisk (Naga), monkey (Hanuman), dragon (Phuchong)... Dancing gestures were standardized scientifically such as imitating a monkey through 12 movements: laughing, kowtowing, scratching, crying, jumping, fondling and suffering misery...
Khmer’s dance existed two different forms: court dance and folk dance. Court dance had developed methodically, systematically and must be trained in dance schools and teachers right from very young age (6-7 year old).
Nowadays, Khmer’s dance has been developing gloriously, showed through not only the number of its forms, quantity but also the quality, not only reappearing ancient myths, legends but also glorifying modern life. This unique dance does not stop with a few single works, currently appearing some interesting plots that highly appreciated (gold medal) in the nationwide professional performance festival.
Khmer’s dance is an unlimited legacy that existing in every highland village and being an integral food for the mind in cultural life of Khmer compatriots in Cuu Long River delta.
(Source: Vietnam Tourism)