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.