This Fall 2025, every Sunday, Khmer Maine will host the Arts and Cultural Program for Khmer Dance Classes, giving youths a meaningful opportunity to engage with an art form that is both deeply rooted in history and thriving in the present.

Khmer traditional dance reflects the beauty, discipline, and storytelling of Cambodian culture while serving as a powerful way to preserve and promote this heritage for future generations. Through this program, youth ages 7–18 are invited to experience the elegance of Khmer dance while developing confidence, resilience, and leadership skills that extend far beyond the stage.

This program goes beyond dance instruction. It is designed as a holistic youth development initiative where participants not only learn traditional movements and cultural practices but also build personal resilience, leadership skills, and meaningful connections with their peers. By integrating cultural engagement with structured youth support, the program creates a safe and nurturing environment that empowers students both on and off the stage.

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.

Extended Learning at Home

To reinforce weekly lessons, by 5:00 PM on each program day, the coordinator will send parents a video of the teacher dancing up to the point covered in class. This resource allows students to practice at home, reinforce their memory of the steps, and ensures that students who may have difficulty recalling steps can continue learning successfully.