The most popular art form in Cambodia is dance. Although there are many different styles of dance in Cambodia, the Khmer Dance is considered to be a Cambodian tradition. The Khmer Dance is danced by women that are between the ages of seven and fifty. The costumes, which include brightly colored robes and intricate headdresses, are worn have Asian influences in them because of Cambodia's geographical location; Cambodia is surrounded by Thailand and Vietnam. Some of the Asian influences include the costume resembling Buddha's own robes. Because of the very ornate costumes, the women who dance in them are considered very beautiful and wealthy (The Royal Ballet of Cambodia). However, children of all age attempt to do this dance even without a costume. In its beginning days, the Khmer Dance was preformed for kings and queens at events such as a wedding or funeral. Because of the dance's strong, upbeat music and colorful costumes the dance would bring joy to people in times of sorrow. Although the dance started out being only preformed for a royal family, it soon became a part of everyone's life and became known as more of a folk dance. The people felt that the style of dance uplifted them in hard times, such as a political struggle. The Khmer Dance continues to be a very popular style of dance that has migrated to Cambodia's neighboring countries (Vachon, Michelle).
The Royal Ballet of Cambodia - Cambodia. June 4, 2010 Fes Festival. December 6, 2010 <http://www.fesfestival.com/2010/en/fes.php?id_rub=41&type=6&id=157&mod=1>.
Vachon, Michelle. "The Language of Khmer Classical Dance." Cambodia Daily 2008: Deveta. 2008: December 6, 2010<http://www.devata.org/2009/02/the-language-of-khmer-
classical-dance-the-cambodia-daily/>.
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