Events
Khmer Maine Annual Dinner
Join Khmer Maine for its first Annual Dinner, a special evening to celebrate the work of the organization, its board and staff, volunteers, and contributions of supporters of the Cambodian community since the COVID-19 pandemic.
About event
Attendees will have the chance to meet community members, partners, supporters, donors, board members, staff, and volunteers during our check-in and networking; witness Cambodian dance, music, arts, and vendors; and taste Cambodian food!
Khmer Maine will also recognize several individuals, organizational leaders, and business leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to supporting the Cambodian community in the past several years. We will release more information about our awards and recognitions in the coming weeks.
Tickets
Tickets are $45 to help cover costs of food, stipends, etc. Discounted tickets are available for students and seniors at $30.
Sponsorships
Event Sponsors ($250/3 Tickets), Table Sponsors ($500/6 Tickets), and Presenting Sponsors ($1,000/6 Tickets + Marketing), please reach out to marpheen@khmermaine.org.
Financial Assistance
A limited number of Free and Comp tickets are available upon request, please contact events@khmermaine.org. Thank you in advance!
Get Tickets
Khmer New Year Dance Performance
Join Khmer Maine for a special performance by Angkor Dance Troupe featuring traditional classical Cambodian dance. People and families from all backgrounds are welcome to learn about Cambodian culture and arts through movement and the history of each dance.
Cambodian Social Dance Classes for All (Session 5) (Copy)
Khmer dancing is making a comeback in Maine! Did you know? Over a decade ago, there was a thriving Khmer dance community spearheaded by Pirun Sen and Tania Sturtevant? Cambodian youth and families were able to take dance classes from experts and perform all over Maine. Join Khmer dancer Sokheun Sok for a series of introductory Khmer social dance classes. Learn the basics of movement, rhythm, and interaction in Khmer dances often seen in social and celebratory settings… just in time for Khmer New Year in April!
Classes are for all ages and genders and families are encouraged to learn together.
ABOUT THE DANCES
Romvong: Romvong is a type of Southeast Asian dance where both females and males dance in a circle. It is a popular folk-dance in Xishuangbanna (China), Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia and Thailand. It is a slow round dance continuously moving in a circular manner, and incorporates graceful hand movements and simple footwork. Both men and women participate in the same circle. (Wikipedia)
Kbach: Ram kbach dance is generally similar to ram vong in terms of circle arrangements, as well as hands and legs gestures. But the movements in ram kbach are slower and more gentle.
Lamleav: Lumleav has a similar form as Romvong and Kbach in terms of circle arrangement; the moments are faster than the first two. It also has slightly different hand and leg gestures.
Sarawan Khmer: Sarawan is unique from Ramvong, Kbach, and Lumleav. It does not go around in a circle, and it has its own leg and hand gestures. Two partners dance facing each other- one person moves four steps toward as the other person moves backward and they go back and forth.
Khmer New Year 2023 Festival & Parade
LOOKING FOR INFO ON KHMER NEW YEAR 2024? VISIT: KNY2024.com.
Join Watt Samaki Temple and Khmer Maine on Saturday, April 15th, from 10am-4pm for Khmer New Year Festival and Parade held at Riverbank Park in Westbrook, Maine. Blessing and Buddhist ceremonies will be held from 10-12pm. The festival with food and vendors will begin 12pm and last until 4pm, with a small parade at 1pm.
Cambodian New Year is a widely celebrated holiday among the Cambodian population and marks the end of the traditional harvest season. In Cambodia, it is a time of rest and leisure for farmers who return to their home communities to celebrate with relatives. Although not exclusively a religious holiday, many Cambodians observe the New Year through purification ceremonies, visits to the local temple, parades, and by playing traditional games.
Unlike other Cambodian holidays that follow the lunar calendar, Cambodian New Year is set in April according to the Gregorian calendar. The official dates for observation are April 14 thru April 16.
KHMER NEW YEAR 2023 FESTIVAL MAP WITH LEGEND
(To download, press the download button at the top left of the map window below)
Cambodian Social Dance Classes for All (Session 5)
Khmer dancing is making a comeback in Maine! Did you know? Over a decade ago, there was a thriving Khmer dance community spearheaded by Pirun Sen and Tania Sturtevant? Cambodian youth and families were able to take dance classes from experts and perform all over Maine. Join Khmer dancer Sokheun Sok for a series of introductory Khmer social dance classes. Learn the basics of movement, rhythm, and interaction in Khmer dances often seen in social and celebratory settings… just in time for Khmer New Year in April!
Classes are for all ages and genders and families are encouraged to learn together.
ABOUT THE DANCES
Romvong: Romvong is a type of Southeast Asian dance where both females and males dance in a circle. It is a popular folk-dance in Xishuangbanna (China), Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia and Thailand. It is a slow round dance continuously moving in a circular manner, and incorporates graceful hand movements and simple footwork. Both men and women participate in the same circle. (Wikipedia)
Kbach: Ram kbach dance is generally similar to ram vong in terms of circle arrangements, as well as hands and legs gestures. But the movements in ram kbach are slower and more gentle.
Lamleav: Lumleav has a similar form as Romvong and Kbach in terms of circle arrangement; the moments are faster than the first two. It also has slightly different hand and leg gestures.
Sarawan Khmer: Sarawan is unique from Ramvong, Kbach, and Lumleav. It does not go around in a circle, and it has its own leg and hand gestures. Two partners dance facing each other- one person moves four steps toward as the other person moves backward and they go back and forth.
Cambodian Social Dance Classes for All (Session 4)
Khmer dancing is making a comeback in Maine! Did you know? Over a decade ago, there was a thriving Khmer dance community spearheaded by Pirun Sen and Tania Sturtevant? Cambodian youth and families were able to take dance classes from experts and perform all over Maine. Join Khmer dancer Sokheun Sok for a series of introductory Khmer social dance classes. Learn the basics of movement, rhythm, and interaction in Khmer dances often seen in social and celebratory settings… just in time for Khmer New Year in April!
Classes are for all ages and genders and families are encouraged to learn together.
SCHEDULE
Sat. Jan. 28, 2023 (1-3pm) - Orientation and Introduction
Sat. Feb. 11, 2023 (1-4pm) - Session I: Ramvong and Kbach Dances
Sat. Feb. 25, 2023 (1-4pm) - Session II: Sarawan and Lamleav
Sat. Mar. 11, 2023 (1-4pm) - Session III: Practice Session
Sat. Mar. 25, 2023 (1-4pm) - Session IV: Practice Session
Sat. Apr. 8, 2023 (1-4pm) - Session V: Final Practice Session
To Be Announced - Community Performance
ABOUT THE DANCES
Romvong: Romvong is a type of Southeast Asian dance where both females and males dance in a circle. It is a popular folk-dance in Xishuangbanna (China), Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia and Thailand. It is a slow round dance continuously moving in a circular manner, and incorporates graceful hand movements and simple footwork. Both men and women participate in the same circle. (Wikipedia)
Kbach: Ram kbach dance is generally similar to ram vong in terms of circle arrangements, as well as hands and legs gestures. But the movements in ram kbach are slower and more gentle.
Lamleav: Lumleav has a similar form as Romvong and Kbach in terms of circle arrangement; the moments are faster than the first two. It also has slightly different hand and leg gestures.
Sarawan Khmer: Sarawan is unique from Ramvong, Kbach, and Lumleav. It does not go around in a circle, and it has its own leg and hand gestures. Two partners dance facing each other- one person moves four steps toward as the other person moves backward and they go back and forth.
Cambodian Social Dance Classes for All (Session 3)
Khmer dancing is making a comeback in Maine! Did you know? Over a decade ago, there was a thriving Khmer dance community spearheaded by Pirun Sen and Tania Sturtevant? Cambodian youth and families were able to take dance classes from experts and perform all over Maine. Join Khmer dancer Sokheun Sok for a series of introductory Khmer social dance classes. Learn the basics of movement, rhythm, and interaction in Khmer dances often seen in social and celebratory settings… just in time for Khmer New Year in April!
Classes are for all ages and genders and families are encouraged to learn together.
SCHEDULE
Sat. Jan. 28, 2023 (1-3pm) - Orientation and Introduction
Sat. Feb. 11, 2023 (1-4pm) - Session I: Ramvong and Kbach Dances
Sat. Feb. 25, 2023 (1-4pm) - Session II: Sarawan and Lamleav
Sat. Mar. 11, 2023 (1-4pm) - Session III: Practice Session
Sat. Mar. 25, 2023 (1-4pm) - Session IV: Practice Session
Sat. Apr. 8, 2023 (1-4pm) - Session V: Final Practice Session
To Be Announced - Community Performance
ABOUT THE DANCES
Romvong: Romvong is a type of Southeast Asian dance where both females and males dance in a circle. It is a popular folk-dance in Xishuangbanna (China), Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia and Thailand. It is a slow round dance continuously moving in a circular manner, and incorporates graceful hand movements and simple footwork. Both men and women participate in the same circle. (Wikipedia)
Kbach: Ram kbach dance is generally similar to ram vong in terms of circle arrangements, as well as hands and legs gestures. But the movements in ram kbach are slower and more gentle.
Lamleav: Lumleav has a similar form as Romvong and Kbach in terms of circle arrangement; the moments are faster than the first two. It also has slightly different hand and leg gestures.
Sarawan Khmer: Sarawan is unique from Ramvong, Kbach, and Lumleav. It does not go around in a circle, and it has its own leg and hand gestures. Two partners dance facing each other- one person moves four steps toward as the other person moves backward and they go back and forth.
Cambodian Social Dance Classes for All (Session 2)
Khmer dancing is making a comeback in Maine! Did you know? Over a decade ago, there was a thriving Khmer dance community spearheaded by Pirun Sen and Tania Sturtevant? Cambodian youth and families were able to take dance classes from experts and perform all over Maine. Join Khmer dancer Sokheun Sok for a series of introductory Khmer social dance classes. Learn the basics of movement, rhythm, and interaction in Khmer dances often seen in social and celebratory settings… just in time for Khmer New Year in April!
Classes are for all ages and genders and families are encouraged to learn together.
SCHEDULE
Sat. Jan. 28, 2023 (1-3pm) - Orientation and Introduction
Sat. Feb. 11, 2023 (1-4pm) - Session I: Ramvong and Kbach Dances
Sat. Feb. 25, 2023 (1-4pm) - Session II: Sarawan and Lamleav
Sat. Mar. 11, 2023 (1-4pm) - Session III: Practice Session
Sat. Mar. 25, 2023 (1-4pm) - Session IV: Practice Session
Sat. Apr. 8, 2023 (1-4pm) - Session V: Final Practice Session
To Be Announced - Community Performance
ABOUT THE DANCES
Romvong: Romvong is a type of Southeast Asian dance where both females and males dance in a circle. It is a popular folk-dance in Xishuangbanna (China), Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia and Thailand. It is a slow round dance continuously moving in a circular manner, and incorporates graceful hand movements and simple footwork. Both men and women participate in the same circle. (Wikipedia)
Kbach: Ram kbach dance is generally similar to ram vong in terms of circle arrangements, as well as hands and legs gestures. But the movements in ram kbach are slower and more gentle.
Lamleav: Lumleav has a similar form as Romvong and Kbach in terms of circle arrangement; the moments are faster than the first two. It also has slightly different hand and leg gestures.
Sarawan Khmer: Sarawan is unique from Ramvong, Kbach, and Lumleav. It does not go around in a circle, and it has its own leg and hand gestures. Two partners dance facing each other- one person moves four steps toward as the other person moves backward and they go back and forth.
Cambodian Social Dance Classes for All (Session 1)
Khmer dancing is making a comeback in Maine! Did you know? Over a decade ago, there was a thriving Khmer dance community spearheaded by Pirun Sen and Tania Sturtevant? Cambodian youth and families were able to take dance classes from experts and perform all over Maine. Join Khmer dancer Sokheun Sok for a series of introductory Khmer social dance classes. Learn the basics of movement, rhythm, and interaction in Khmer dances often seen in social and celebratory settings… just in time for Khmer New Year in April!
Classes are for all ages and genders and families are encouraged to learn together.
SCHEDULE
Sat. Jan. 28, 2023 (1-3pm) - Orientation and Introduction
Sat. Feb. 11, 2023 (1-4pm) - Session I: Ramvong and Kbach Dances
Sat. Feb. 25, 2023 (1-4pm) - Session II: Sarawan and Lamleav
Sat. Mar. 11, 2023 (1-4pm) - Session III: Practice Session
Sat. Mar. 25, 2023 (1-4pm) - Session IV: Practice Session
Sat. Apr. 8, 2023 (1-4pm) - Session V: Final Practice Session
To Be Announced - Community Performance
ABOUT THE DANCES
Romvong: Romvong is a type of Southeast Asian dance where both females and males dance in a circle. It is a popular folk-dance in Xishuangbanna (China), Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia and Thailand. It is a slow round dance continuously moving in a circular manner, and incorporates graceful hand movements and simple footwork. Both men and women participate in the same circle. (Wikipedia)
Kbach: Ram kbach dance is generally similar to ram vong in terms of circle arrangements, as well as hands and legs gestures. But the movements in ram kbach are slower and more gentle.
Lamleav: Lumleav has a similar form as Romvong and Kbach in terms of circle arrangement; the moments are faster than the first two. It also has slightly different hand and leg gestures.
Sarawan Khmer: Sarawan is unique from Ramvong, Kbach, and Lumleav. It does not go around in a circle, and it has its own leg and hand gestures. Two partners dance facing each other- one person moves four steps toward as the other person moves backward and they go back and forth.
Cambodian Social Dance Classes for All
Khmer dancing is making a comeback in Maine! Did you know? Over a decade ago, there was a thriving Khmer dance community spearheaded by Pirun Sen and Tania Sturtevant? Cambodian youth and families were able to take dance classes from experts and perform all over Maine. Join Khmer dancer Sokheun Sok for a series of introductory Khmer social dance classes. Learn the basics of movement, rhythm, and interaction in Khmer dances often seen in social and celebratory settings… just in time for Khmer New Year in April!
Classes are for all ages and genders and families are encouraged to learn together.
SCHEDULE
Sat. Jan. 28, 2023 (1-3pm) - Orientation and Introduction
Sat. Feb. 11, 2023 (1-4pm) - Session I: Ramvong and Kbach Dances
Sat. Feb. 25, 2023 (1-4pm) - Session II: Sarawan and Lamleav
Sat. Mar. 11, 2023 (1-4pm) - Session III: Practice Session
Sat. Mar. 25, 2023 (1-4pm) - Session IV: Practice Session
Sat. Apr. 8, 2023 (1-4pm) - Session V: Final Practice Session
To Be Announced - Community Performance
ABOUT THE DANCES
Romvong: Romvong is a type of Southeast Asian dance where both females and males dance in a circle. It is a popular folk-dance in Xishuangbanna (China), Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia and Thailand. It is a slow round dance continuously moving in a circular manner, and incorporates graceful hand movements and simple footwork. Both men and women participate in the same circle. (Wikipedia)
Kbach: Ram kbach dance is generally similar to ram vong in terms of circle arrangements, as well as hands and legs gestures. But the movements in ram kbach are slower and more gentle.
Lamleav: Lumleav has a similar form as Romvong and Kbach in terms of circle arrangement; the moments are faster than the first two. It also has slightly different hand and leg gestures.
Sarawan Khmer: Sarawan is unique from Ramvong, Kbach, and Lumleav. It does not go around in a circle, and it has its own leg and hand gestures. Two partners dance facing each other- one person moves four steps toward as the other person moves backward and they go back and forth.
Panel Discussion on the Cambodian Genocide and Intergenerational Trauma
Join us in the Ludke Auditorium for a panel discussion on the Cambodian Genocide and Intergenerational Trauma, hosted by Khmer Maine and the University of New England Asian Student Dental Organization and moderated by Professor Arabella Perez of the UNE School of Social Work.
Through this panel discussion, practioners and students studying in various fields can become better equipped for trauma-informed care by hearing directly from surivors of the genocide and learning about the impact of intergenerational trauma.
Please stay tuned for more details and a list of sponsors and partners of the event.
RSVP for the Panel Discussion
Indigo Picks: "Yary Livan: Khmer Traditional Ceramic Artist"
Join Indigo Arts Alliance and Khmer Maine as we host a special in-person film screening of the documentary Yary Livan: Khmer Traditional Ceramic Artist. This film centers around Master Yary Livan, one of three remaning traditional Khmer ceramists in the world, and his mission to preserve the dying art form through community engagement and education.
Khmer New Year: Khmer Family Event at Mayo Street Arts
Cambodian families are invited to an event featuring a Cambodian band, dancing, food, games and activities. This is a family-friendly event for kids of all ages where families will have the opportunity to connect and build community after several years of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Khmer New Year: Angkor Dance Troupe
Join Khmer Maine and the Angkor Dance Troupe to experience the magic and wonder of classical Khmer dancing and folk music in the intimate setting of Portland’s Mayo Street Arts Center.
Book Discussion with Loung Ung, Author of First They Killed My Father
The Cambodian Community Association of Maine is pleased to invite you to a special event featuring a reading and book discussion with Loung Ung, author of First They Killed My Father and co-screenplay writer of First They Killed My Father, the 2017 Netflix Original Movie, directed by Angelina Jolie based on Ung’s memoir.
The event is free but a donation is encouraged to help support our work!
ABOUT FIRST THEY KILLED MY FATHER
Loung Ung was five years old when the Khmer Rouge army stormed into her city in April 1975, forcing her family to flee their home. For the next four years, the family hid their identities dispersed in order to survive. Without the protection of her family, Loung was trained as a child soldier in a work camp for orphans, her siblings were sent to labor camps, and those who survived the horrors would not be reunited until the Khmer Rouge was destroyed. Published in 2000, First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers was selected by the Asian/Pacific American Librarians’ Association for “Excellence in Adult Non-fiction Literature.” Click Here to read FTKMF teaching guide
“I encourage everyone to read this deeply moving and very important book. Equal to the strength of the book, is the woman who wrote it. She is a voice for her people and they are lucky to have her.” – Angelina Jolie, UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador.
“This is a strong story, simply told. Ung helps us understand what happens when a family is torn apart by politics, adversity, and war. Change the names of the characters, give them another country of origin, and this story of dislocation becomes a tragedy millions of immigrants have lived through but seldom talk about…. Ung’s story is a compelling and inspirational one that touches universal chords. Americans would do well to read it, no matter where they were born.”
~ Washington Post Book World
Cambodian New Year Celebration
The Cambodian Community Association of Maine is thrilled to host this year’s Cambodian New Year in Portland, Maine. Together with our partners, sponsors, and individual donors and supporters, we invite our Maine family, friends and neighbors to join us on Saturday, April 11, and we look forward to sharing Cambodian cultural traditions, food, music, and dance with our Maine community.
We Are Like the Lotus: Stories of Hope and Resilience from Cambodian Mainers
A night of storytelling and performances to benefit the Cambodian Community Association and educate the community about Cambodian history and our contributions to Maine.
Classical Khmer Dance Intro Class 2
We would like to welcome ALL girls from the age of 17 and older for the 1st sign up lesson on Sunday February 16th @ 10am. located at Gateway Community Services at 501 Forest Ave Portland Maine. ALL lesson are FREE for the Cambodian New Year Celebration!! For those who are interested in learning or has any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to email us at mainecambodians@gmail.com
This is not restricted to only Cambodian girls, we would like to encourage anyone who is interested in our culture and our tradition to come learn with us and see if they are interested in training for our New Year celeebration. These girls will have the opporutnity to tryout to perform on April 11th Cambodian New Year Celebration.
Sok has been teaching the Cambodian traditional dance for over 5 years. She is willing to help teach the girls to dance for our New Year Celebration on April 11th located at Indigo Arts Alliance in Portland Maine. Furthermore, we would like to extend our gratitude to the Gateway Community Services located on Forest Ave in Portland Maine for allowing us to use there space for the girls to practice their traditional dance. Please share ! We look forward in seeing each and everyone of you there ! Thank you ! 🙏