One of the nice things that I like about the tour company that we use is that they find the opportunity to show off local culture and customs. This is especially noteworthy in a place like Cambodia, where the Khmer Rouge made a point of trying to eradicate traditional arts and customs. In this particular instance, we were able to hear traditional Cambodian music and see traditional Cambodian dance.
Khmer (Cambodian) dance has a long history, dating back back over 1,000 years to the age of Angkor Wat. Some of the dances were folk dances, some were done for the court.
(For reference, we have now left Phnom Penh and have traveled [via plane] to Siam Reap)
First was a musical presentation. From left to right, the samphor (drum), roneat (xylophone), and tro (fiddle):
(The following descriptions are taken directly from the handout at the venue):
Tep Monorom Dance
"Tep Monorom or happiness of the gods and goddesses dance is one of the most popular and beautiful dances in the court repertoire. It has been performed as a dance of blessing to end a performance. The distinctive interweaving floor patterns of the Tep Monorom, as well as the complimentary relationship of male and female, in which the male is always on the female's left reveals the importance of balance in Khmer social interaction. The chorus describes the erotic pursuit of the heavenly maidens by the male celestials as well as their harmonious union."
Coconut Dance
"This popular dance from south-eastern Cambodia is performed at wedding ceremonies. Highly rhythmical and punctuated with shouts and the rapping of coconuts, it expresses joy in life and harmony amongst Cambodians."
Mekhala Dance
"A metaphor for the victory of good over evil. Armed with a crystal ball casting rays of lightning, the goddess of waters Moni Mekhala triumphs over the demon Ream Eysaur, whose axe creates thunder. The two characters illustrate the victory of beneficial rains over the dry and stormy season."
Good choice of vids to showcase traditions that survived the interference of a political agenda from half a century ago. That tour company is on the ball TB.
ReplyDeleteNylon12 - I do not "get" a lot of dance, but this was pretty enjoyable. Incredibly grateful any of it survived.
DeleteHave you by chance read "The Sacred Willow: Four Generations in the Life of a Vietnamese Family" by Mai Elliot? It is by far the best book I have read about Vietnam.
ReplyDeleteEd - I have not, but that was one of the recommendations from our tour guide. Others were When Heaven and Earth Changed Places and When the Spirit Catches You, You Fall Down.
DeleteMusic and dance are another fascinating aspect of culture. It's really amazing how varied these things can be in different cultures.
ReplyDeleteLeigh, I consider ourselves pretty lucky we got to see this. I suspect a lot of tourists do not.
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