The Apsara were dancing goddesses, celestial figures, famous for their beauty, and once at the heart of Cambodian culture. Now the traditional dance is experiencing a boom after nearly dying out during the repression of the Khmer Rouge.
The Khmer Rouge regime, in power between 1974-1979 - killed 90 percent of the country artists of the time. Now, tourists are returning in their droves to experience Cambodian culture in all its forms.
Surviving dancers are doing everything possible to ensure it properly represents the beauty of Cambodia.The renewed tourist interest is proof that the Apsara still captures the curiosity of visitors who are eager to decipher the messages and symbols it contains.
The dance originated in the temples of Angkor at the turn of century. Now those temples are once again full of Apsaras, embodying and reliving the spirit of generations of dancers. (Source: euronews.net)
Cultural Performance at Chaktomuk Theater Hall (every Friday)
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