Apsara Arts

I visited Apsara Arts Association in Tuol Kork early this morning to watch the youngsters practicing their traditional Khmer classical dance in the wooden headquarters of the Phnom Penh-based NGO that provides free dance training for poor children from the age of four to late teens. Students can attend morning or evening classes according to their school schedules, so we saw just a few of the over 150 students students enrolled with the NGO, plying their skills. Funding remains an ever-present obstacle for the association explained Vong Metry, the vice-director and former classical dancer and teacher at the Royal University of Fine Arts. They host performances every Saturday night for the public but a lack of funds affects their ability to pay teachers and even to switch on the electricity, so beware that performances can be cancelled. The center also houses twenty children who are orphans and in vulnerable circumstances and ensures they receive a place to live, eat, go to school and of course, learn to dance or play music. Get along to the Apsara HQ if you have some spare time in Phnom Penh, they'll be pleased to see you.

Some of the teenage girls practice their art

The end of their first practice session this morning

Instruction never stops for some of the youngest dancers

Some of the Giant masks used in performances