Mealai Khmer Arts Studio and Rattikall Café Celebrates First Anniversary with Dazzling Khmer Dance and Crown Exhibition
The evening featured an exhibition of Khmer crowns and traditional ornaments, along with five captivating dance performances that became the highlight of the celebration. The dances embodied themes of peace, nature, love, and mythology, guiding the audience through the richness and spirit of Khmer heritage
The program included:
“ The white Pigeon dance “
The pigeon is a sacred bird of peace, unity, and hope. As human beings on Earth, we always wish for peace and to escape from the war and suffering. Through this performance of the White Pigeon Dance of Peace, we all Cambodian people, pray that the Kingdom of Cambodia will receive lasting peace forever.
“ The enchanted forest “
In the evening, with a melodious atmosphere, surrounded by lush plants, it seems like a dream in a fairy tale. We invite all distinguished guests to enjoy the songs composed by Preah Borom Ratanakkot, accompanied by lively dance movements that performed by a dancer wearing full-length apsara jewelry, designed after the apsara carvings of Banteay Srei Temple.
“ Apsara Angkor dance “
The dance represents the divinity of the nature goddess, which depicts a majestic figure wearing a crown with intricate designs carved on the walls of the Great Gopuram of Angkor Wat. The crown of the goddess has the shape of rice panicles, a symbol of the source of supernatural power given to the earth by Mother Nature. The front part is decorated with lotus flowers, symbolizing the divine purity that will sustain all beings to the fullness of life that depends on nature.
“ A romantic love dance “
A dance that expresses the loving and devoted gestures of the two figures, the king and queen, who are the elements of the Angkor period, demonstrating the richness of Khmer art that our ancestors carved on the walls of temples to leave as a legacy for future generations to study, understand, and place as a jewel in the realm of Khmer art, with a Khmer aesthetic that is worthy of pride.
Classical dance Virya Barami, taken directly from the scene of “ Goddess Moni Mekhla “
Monimekhla is a goddess who protects the ocean and saves the Bodhisattva, having to perform heroic deeds and cross the ocean for seven nights and seven days. The classical dance of the story of the heroic deeds is taken from the book "The Ten Commandments" by Dr. Maha Chhim Som and performed as a graduation work by dancer Saleem Chansomna.
In addition, the organizers announced that another showcase will take place on Tuesday, September 9, featuring performances and exhibitions once again. The public is warmly invited to attend and encouraged to follow Mealai Khmer Arts Studio and Rattikall Café for further updates.
