Khmer Dance Classes

11:00 -11:30 AM: Program Overview

Students and Parents will receive an overview of the program goals and structure.

11:30 -11:45 AM: Program Ground Rules & Expectations

Students and Parents will receive an overview of ground rules and expectations regarding timeliness, professionalism, attendance, and respect for each other and the instructor.

11:45 -12:00 PM: Program Q&A

12:00 -1:00 PM: Lunch provided by Khmer Maine

Sok Sokhoeun was born in Phnom Penh and trained as a classical dancer at the Royal University of Fine Arts beginning when she was 9 years old. Ms Sok quickly mastered the male character role and later became an expert in several female roles. She came to the United States in her early 20’s and eventually became a US Citizen. She has participated in many international dance tours and has taught classical and folk dance for 20 years in Portland, Maine.

Weekly Class Structure

• 10:00 – 10:30 AM: Support & Well-Being
  All youths gather for structured activities focused on the well-being of girls and young women. This session provides a safe and supportive space to discuss challenges such as self-doubt, loneliness, academic pressure, social expectations, and personal issues. Through guided support, participants learn strategies to build resilience and confidence.

• 10:30 – 11:00 AM: Costume Preparation
  Students receive instruction on the proper way to dress in traditional Khmer dance attire, learning the cultural and symbolic significance of the costumes.

• 11:00 – 12:00 PM: Dance Instruction (Ages 13–18)
  Older students review previously learned dances and begin new choreography, deepening their technical skill and artistic expression.

• 12:00 – 12:50 PM: Dance Instruction (Ages 7–12)
  Younger students review prior dances and begin learning new ones, developing creativity, discipline, and teamwork in a supportive environment.

• 12:50 – 1:00 PM: Community Responsibility
  All students participate in cleaning and organizing the facility, reinforcing values of responsibility, cooperation, and respect for shared spaces.

Through this program, youth participants will:

• Develop knowledge and skills in Cambodian traditional dance

• Strengthen confidence, resilience, and leadership abilities

• Build a sense of belonging through peer connection and teamwork

• Learn responsibility through mentorship and community engagement

• Contribute to the preservation and promotion of Khmer cultural heritage

By combining artistic practice, cultural pride, and youth development, the Arts and Cultural Program for Cambodian Traditional Dance empowers young people to carry Khmer traditions into the future with confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of community.

• Student Assistant Stipend: Student Assistants are generally students who demonstrate dance and leadership potential and who are either seniors in Highschool are young adults ages 18-21 who have previously participated in the program. Student Assistants aid the Instructor with teaching younger participants and earn $25 per hour, gaining valuable mentorship and leadership experience.

• Performance Stipend: All students are eligible to participate in the Khmer Maine Dance Company. Students who perform at private or public events receive $50 per performance, recognizing their time, effort, and dedication to cultural preservation.

STUDENT & PARENT AGREEMENT

PURPOSE: The purpose of the Khmer Maine Dance Company is to provide quality dance and performance instruction in a positive, fun and dedicated atmosphere. Dancers will train and compete in a variety of styles. Khmer Maine provides young dancers with an opportunity to participate in an activity that develops appreciation for Khmer cultural heritage, sportsmanship, character, and leadership. 

FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS:

• Tuition is free for all participants, thanks to our generous grants and sponsorships.

• In recognition of student engagement, Khmer Maine will offer a $50 USD incentive to each participant chosen to perform at designated cultural events. 

• Khmer Maine will provide costumes for both practices and performances at all cultural 

• events hosted by Khmer Maine or its partner organizations.

• Khmer Maine will be responsible for providing transportation when students need to travel to Lowell, MA to practice with the Angkor Dance Troupe.
  

ATTENDENCE/MAKEUP POLICY

• ATTENDANCE

  • Consistent attendance is essential to student progress and group cohesion. Attendance also impacts selection and readiness for paid performances. All students are expected to attend every class regularly and arrive at least 15 minutes early to allow time to prepare, warm up, and begin on time. 

  • Arriving late or missing classes frequently can hinder individual growth, disrupt the class dynamic, and may affect a student’s eligibility to perform with the group during showcases, events, or cultural presentations.

  • If a student needs to miss a class for any reason—such as illness, family emergencies, or scheduling conflicts—please notify the program coordinator as early as possible. You may contact us by phone or by email. Early communication allows us to track attendance, make necessary adjustments, and support students’ continued learning

CLASS CANCELLATION

• Due to weather: Dance Class may be cancelled in the event of weather emergencies. Parents will be informed by email of class cancellations by 8:30 a.m. on Sunday and students will have the opportunity to make up any missed classes.

• Due to low attendance: If more than half of the dance students are not present for practice, class will be re-scheduled.
  

TRANSPORTATION & PICK-UPS

Maintaining clear communication and consistent attendance helps ensure a successful experience for all students and supports the overall success of the program.

• All students must be picked up promptly at the end of class to respect the time of our instructor, staff, and volunteers. 

• If parents or guardians are unable to pick up their child on time due to schedule conflicts, or if transportation support is needed, we ask that you notify the coordinator at least one day in advance. We will do our best to assist with transportation coordination when possible.

HAIR GUIDELINES 

• Hair must be neatly styled and securely away from the face and neck at all times to allow full range of motion, avoid distractions, and allow the instructor to clearly observe posture, alignment, and body lines. 

• For students with long hair, it should be tied back in a bun, braid, or ponytail. 
  

DRESS CODE

• All students are required to wear Khmer Maine’s designated practice uniforms for weekly class and rehearsal. 

• For special performances or events, or competitions, students must wear the assigned traditional costume provided or approved by the instructor. 

• Students are expected to care for their costume and uniform, ensuring it is clean, well-maintained, and ready for each session or event.

BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS

• All students are expected to treat one another with kindness and respect. Fighting or speaking negatively about another teammate both during and outside class and performance hours is not acceptable.

• Parents are welcome to observe their children at any time during class; however, please avoid distracting them or speaking to them during the lesson.

• All visitors observing class who are under 18 must have adult supervision at all times while in our facility. 

• If there are consistent challenges with behavior or attendance, a meeting will be held between the dancer, the parent, and the dance coordinator.

PROHIBITED ITEMS

• Loose or dangling jewelry (such as bracelets, large earrings, or necklaces) must be stored away during class or performance times, as they can cause injury or damage costumes during movement. 

• Chewing gum is strictly prohibited during all practices and performances due to safety and decorum.

• Student cell phone use is not allowed during class, rehearsal, or any performances. Phones will be deposited for safekeeping during class hours.

CLASSROOM FOOD & DRINK POLICY

• Food and drink are permitted only during break times.

• Please help us keep our facility clean by disposing of all trash in the proper receptacles.

PERSONAL BELONGING POLICY

• Khmer Maine is not responsible for any lost or stolen personal items.

PARENT COMMUNICATION COMMITMENT

As part of your commitment as a parent, it is important to stay informed and connected. We work hard to ensure that important information is available and easily accessible to all our families. 

• The primary way Khmer Maine will communicate important class information and updates is by email. Please check your email regularly to stay informed.

WITHDRAWAL

• We have limited spots available in the dance program and therefore ask only those who are fully committed to completing the program to sign up.

• If you need to withdraw your child from the program, please let us know as soon as possible, so we can give their spot to other youth interested in the program.