Watching rehearsals

The Khmer Arts Ensemble dancers go through some warm-up routines

The rehearsal I viewed on Saturday morning took over an hour as the Khmer Arts Ensemble troupe of classical dancers were put through their paces by teacher Sophiline Cheam Shapiro, adding some final touches before the group perform at the Chenla Theatre this coming Friday as part of the Lakhaon Festival that's already underway at Chenla every night this week. The story is the well-known Ream Eyso & Moni Mekhala, a standard amongst the classical performers who have all attended the Royal University of Fine Arts before joining the professional touring troupe at Khmer Arts, located in Takhmau. The company rehearse both old standards and new works created by Sophiline Cheam Shapiro every morning from Tuesday through til Saturday at their headquarters. This is the first group of photos from the rehearsal as the dancers were warming up the main performance, watched by about 30 or so interested visitors.

Practice makes perfect for one of the company

A classic pose for this dancer, note the knee supports underneath the sampot

Each dancer must develop great strength in their feet, legs and arms to be able to dance for long periods

The girls kept expert formation and timing throughout the practice, developed over many months of rehearsals

Sophiline was giving advice and support throughout the practice session