Classical dance at its best

Sophiline Cheam Shapiro instructing one of her troupe from the Khmer Arts Ensemble

The Khmer Arts Ensemble is the only independent professional classical Cambodian dance and music troupe in the country. It develops and performs the original choreography of Sophiline Cheam Shapiro, as well as rare works from the classical back catalogue, so to speak. They are based in Takhmau and are planning to perform for 2 nights just prior to the Khmer New Year, on their home territory. Ream Eyso Moni Mekhala will be the classical story they will perform on 9 and 10 April - more details to follow.
In the meantime, tomorrow night (Thursday 25 March), at the Cafe Living Room at 6.30pm, you can get an introduction to the history and cultural context of classical Khmer dance from Sophiline Cheam Shapiro herself, accompanied by author and dance ethnologist Toni Shapiro-Phim. It should be a very interesting presentation. Count me in.