Sophiline Arts Ensemble

Growing up under the Khmer Rouge regime, classical dance was the only form of escape for Sophiline Cheam Shapiro. Destined to dance, once peace came, she studied the traditional art at the Royal University of Arts under a surviving dancer, who was only one of a handful still practising. After moving to America, she returned to her homeland to set up Sophiline Arts Ensemble – a classical dance and music company that develop ground-breaking choreography, sets, costumes and performances. After taking her shows across the globe, Cheam Shapiro scooped a host of awards for her work. Performances take place in Phnom Penh throughout the year.

While preserving traditional arts has been the emphasis for many organisations, embracing the future is the focus of Phnom Penh-based Amrita Performing Arts. Launched in 2003, their aim is to take Cambodia’s ancient theatre heritage into the future. Producing fully staged productions of contemporary Cambodian dance and drama, they nurture the next generation of professional performers through collaborations with internationally renowned directors and choreographers, such as Belgium-based choreographer Arco Renz and Toronto’s Peter Chin.

The ancient Cambodian martial art of Yuthakun Khom often lives in the shadow of its more famous neighbour, Thai boxing. However, the movements the Yuthakun Khom fighters carry out are very artistic, with each fighter choosing an animal and using their characteristics to fight. Classes are led by Chan Rothana, a fighter who was born in a refugee camp into a family of martial artists. Visitors can give it a go themselves or watch a private performance at Phnom Penh-based Selapak Cambodia.

SOPHILINE ARTS ENSEMBLE

Headed by renowned classical Cambodian dancer Sophiline Cheam Shaprio, this ensemble is an internationally-renowned classical dance and music company that is based at the Khmer Arts Theater in Takhmao, Kandal Province, outside of Phnom Penh. While the award-winning troupe is often overseas showcasing Cheam Shapiro’s groundbreaking choreography, they perform on hometurf several times a year – often at Chaktomuk Conference Hall – so it’s worth keeping an eye on their website and Facebook page.

Prumsodun Ok & NATYARASA is Cambodia’s first gay dance company, re-staging Khmer classical dances with a contemporary streak. The groundbreaking troupe recently took up residency at the newly opened Java Creative Cafe’s theatre in Toul Tom Poung. They can also be seen performing at various other locations across the capital.

Designed by revered Cambodian architect and father of the New Khmer Architecture movement of the 1950s and ’60s, Van Molyvann, Chaktomuk Conference Hall stands on the capital’s riverside, overlooking the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers. It hosts a string of performances throughout the year, including several dance shows so keep an eye on its Facebook page for upcoming events.

If you fancy learning first hand the traditional art of apsara – Cambodian ballet – or bokator, the ancient Khmer martial art – then Selapak, which translates from Khmer to the arts, is a good place to start. It runs traditional dance and martial art initiation classes, demonstrations and lessons, all led by experts in their field. Private classes can be arranged on request. Performances can also be viewed.