Khmer Apsara Dance

Apsara Dancing

Cambodian Music

The dance form is accompanied by the Pinpeat ensemble of wind and percussion instruments. The choir sings texts that tell stories while dancers express the plots through movements and gestures(kbach). Cambodian music has a dual function; it is both ritualistic and entertaining. In the former, it has the power to bring a medium into trance and to please the spirits. In the latter, it enhances the atmosphere and enlivens the listener's mind."

The Tonale Bassac Folk Dance Group

The Tonale Bassac Folk Dance group present their brand new show at WOMAD - "Children of the Khmer". Cambodia is famous for its Classical Aspara dancing. The same dance that formed the royal court in the temples of Angkor Watt during the eleventh century.

This talented young group not only has a comprehensive repertoire of Classical dancing they also have become experts in Khmer folk dance. This work is the first folk dance to be seen outside of the country. Its an mix of gentle and meditative work contrasted with loud energetic movement.
Led by the Famous Khmer expert Master Ieng Sithul, who heads the Cambodian arts association in Phnom Penn. This group was formed to begin the long process of keeping Cambodian music and dance alive and teaching the next generation the arts that were almost completely destroyed by the Khmer Rouge.

Now together for five years The Tonale Bassac Folk Dance group are constantly in demand to perform their inspiring work at cultural ceremonies all over the country. In the UK for one month only WOMAD are very excited to have this inspiring group before they start there residency at the the Edinburgh fringe as part of the world at St Gorges West. The Tonale Bassac Folk Dance group is funded by Cambodian Living Arts which is a part of World Education.

Master Ieng Sithul Class Performs at WOMAD UK and Edinburgh Fringe Festival

Written by Beni Chhun
Posted on 08/30/2008

In 2009, Twenty two students and four teachers from Ieng Sithul’s music and dance class were invited to perform in the UK at to the World Music, Art, and Dance festival, and in Scotland at the prestigious Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Their show, "Children of the Khmer." was met with an avalanche of praise from attendees and press.
“One of the most beautiful shows of the Edinburgh Fringe” lauded the BBC news. The Guardian included it among a short list of critics’ favorites. “The country's ancient arts and legendary tales are revived in an irresistibly engaging production by these highly disciplined, enthusiastic teenagers,” hailed another reviewer.

Most of the students had never left Cambodia before, and none had worked at the rigorous pace the festival demanded. They performed daily for 24 days, often rehearsing in the morning and busking (doing street performances) in the afternoon for additional promotion before the evening openings. One student described their feelings afterward: “Something changed for those of us who went. We’re all a little more driven, we work harder. It used to be that after I finished my classes I would just hang out with friends; now I practice.”