5.4 Apsara Dance: Classical Khmer Court Dance

Apsara dance, a classical Khmer court dance, originated in ancient Cambodia. Rooted in royal traditions, it depicts celestial nymphs and tells mythological stories. The dance nearly vanished during the Khmer Rouge era but has since been revived as a symbol of Cambodian identity.

Characterized by graceful movements and intricate hand gestures, Apsara dance is performed at cultural events and tourist attractions. It's recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage, preserving Cambodian history and artistic traditions for future generations.

Apsara Dance: History and Significance

Origins and Cultural Context

Top images from around the web for Origins and Cultural Context

• 

  Apsara dance | Apsara Dance has been part of Khmer culture f… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Apsara dance.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Angkor Wat - The Temple and Decorations View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Apsara dance | Apsara Dance has been part of Khmer culture f… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Apsara dance.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Origins and Cultural Context

• 

  Apsara dance | Apsara Dance has been part of Khmer culture f… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Apsara dance.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Angkor Wat - The Temple and Decorations View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Apsara dance | Apsara Dance has been part of Khmer culture f… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Apsara dance.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Apsara dance originated in the royal courts of the Khmer Empire, particularly during the Angkor period (9th-15th centuries CE)
• The dance form is inspired by the celestial nymphs, known as Apsaras, depicted in ancient Khmer temple reliefs and sculptures (Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple)
• Apsara dance was traditionally performed as a sacred ritual to honor gods and kings, and to bring prosperity to the kingdom
• The dance form served as a means of connecting the earthly realm with the divine, with dancers embodying the celestial nymphs and acting as intermediaries between gods and mortals

Revival and Contemporary Significance

• The dance form nearly disappeared during the Khmer Rouge regime (1975-1979) but has since been revived and recognized as an integral part of Cambodian cultural heritage
• Today, Apsara dance is performed at cultural events, festivals, and tourist attractions, serving as a symbol of Cambodian identity and pride (Cambodian National Day, Angkor Sankranta Festival)
• Apsara dance has been inscribed on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, acknowledging its importance in preserving Cambodian history and culture
• Contemporary Apsara dance performances often incorporate elements of traditional storytelling, religious symbolism, and cultural values, ensuring the continuation of Khmer artistic heritage

Apsara Dance: Distinctive Movements

Stylized Gestures and Postures

• Apsara dancers exhibit a series of highly stylized and codified movements, with an emphasis on grace, fluidity, and precision
• Hand gestures, known as kbach, are a crucial element of Apsara dance, with each gesture conveying specific meanings or emotions (happiness, sadness, love, anger)
• Dancers maintain an erect posture, with the torso held upright and the shoulders pulled back, creating a sense of elegance and poise
• The head is often tilted slightly backward, with the chin raised, to create a sense of ethereal beauty and spiritual connection

Footwork and Overall Movement Quality

• Footwork in Apsara dance is intricate and precise, with dancers moving in small, delicate steps while maintaining balance and control
• Dancers often perform on the balls of their feet, creating a light and graceful appearance (walking on clouds)
• The overall movement style is characterized by a smooth, flowing quality, with transitions between postures and gestures appearing seamless and effortless
• The slow, measured pace of the dance movements creates a sense of timelessness and spiritual contemplation, inviting the audience to reflect on the deeper meanings of the performance

Apsara Dance in Royal Court

Historical Significance in Court Ceremonies

• Apsara dance was an essential part of the royal court entertainment and religious ceremonies during the Angkor period and beyond
• The dancers, who were often members of the royal family or high-ranking court officials, underwent rigorous training to master the complex techniques and repertoire
• Performances were held in the royal palace or in temple complexes, accompanied by a traditional pinpeat ensemble, which includes xylophones, gongs, and drums (roneat ek, kong vong touch, sampho)
• The dance form was also used to showcase the wealth, power, and cultural refinement of the Khmer royal court to visiting dignitaries and foreign envoys

Training and Preparation of Court Dancers

• Aspiring Apsara dancers began their training at a young age, often under the guidance of experienced dancers or dance masters
• Training involved mastering the intricate hand gestures, facial expressions, and footwork, as well as learning the mythological stories and religious symbolism associated with the dance
• Dancers were required to maintain a high level of physical fitness and flexibility to execute the demanding movements and postures
• The preparation of costumes and headdresses was also an important aspect of the dance, with dancers and their attendants spending hours adorning themselves with elaborate jewelry, silk garments, and floral accessories (sampot, sava, kbang)

Symbolism and Storytelling in Apsara Dance

Mythological and Religious Themes

• Apsara dance performances often depict scenes from the Reamker, the Cambodian version of the Hindu epic Ramayana, as well as other mythological tales and religious stories
• The intricate hand gestures and facial expressions of the dancers convey the emotions and actions of the characters they portray, allowing the audience to follow the narrative
• The dance form serves as a means of preserving and transmitting Cambodian cultural and religious heritage, with stories and themes deeply rooted in Khmer tradition and beliefs

Costume and Aesthetic Elements

• Costumes and headdresses worn by Apsara dancers are richly adorned with gold, silk, and precious stones, symbolizing the celestial nature of the Apsaras and the grandeur of the royal court
• The elaborate headdresses, known as mokot, are adorned with floral and jeweled elements, representing the dancers' connection to the divine realm
• The use of gold and other precious materials in the costumes symbolizes the wealth and power of the Khmer kingdom, as well as the spiritual purity and luminosity of the Apsaras
• The overall aesthetic of Apsara dance, with its graceful movements, elegant costumes, and serene facial expressions, creates a sense of beauty, harmony, and spiritual transcendence