Erica Gamester - Khmer Dance
Watch: https://www.ted.com/talks/prumsodun_ok_the_magic_of_khmer_classical_dance#t-6129
In this TED Talk titled, "The Magic of Khmer Classical Dance," Prumsodun discusses the history and symbolism within this sacred dance. Historically, this art form was born in Cambodia and has been practiced over 1,000 years amongst Khmer dancer communities. This dance is identifiable by overextended hands, slow and calculated movements, erect spine, and bent plié legs. The exact dance moves vary according to the story behind the dance, often conveying historical references.
Prumsodun describes the poverty and oppression the Cambodian people have faced over the decades. Seeking to end slavery through equality, nearly all citizens were enslaved and forced into labor camps. Threatened with execution and punished with starvation, one third of Cambodia's population was lost. However, this dance persevered through the hardship and utilized as a medium to convey their desecrated history.
Prumsodun explains the phenomenon of beauty as it pertains to dance…
Overall, Prumsodun credits the preservation of Khmer dance to our humanly connectedness to beauty. He perceives beauty as our refuge from the uncontrollable suffering around us. Beauty is a ceaseless, renewable resource that has allowed the Khmer culture to progress, despite the forces acting against this effort.
In this TED Talk titled, "The Magic of Khmer Classical Dance," Prumsodun discusses the history and symbolism within this sacred dance. Historically, this art form was born in Cambodia and has been practiced over 1,000 years amongst Khmer dancer communities. This dance is identifiable by overextended hands, slow and calculated movements, erect spine, and bent plié legs. The exact dance moves vary according to the story behind the dance, often conveying historical references.
Prumsodun describes the poverty and oppression the Cambodian people have faced over the decades. Seeking to end slavery through equality, nearly all citizens were enslaved and forced into labor camps. Threatened with execution and punished with starvation, one third of Cambodia's population was lost. However, this dance persevered through the hardship and utilized as a medium to convey their desecrated history.
Prumsodun explains the phenomenon of beauty as it pertains to dance…
"The beauty is the most resilient thing.
Beauty has this ability to grow anywhere and everywhere at any time.
Beauty is what connects people through time and place.
Beauty is a liberation from suffering."
(8:03 minutes into the video)
Overall, Prumsodun credits the preservation of Khmer dance to our humanly connectedness to beauty. He perceives beauty as our refuge from the uncontrollable suffering around us. Beauty is a ceaseless, renewable resource that has allowed the Khmer culture to progress, despite the forces acting against this effort.
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