A life dedicated to dance and safeguarding Cambodian culture
Princess Buppha Devi Dance School is a non-profit cultural association that provides artistic training to those wishing to gain access to knowledge of traditional Cambodian arts.
Appointed Minister of Culture & Fine Arts, the Princess oversaw the inscribing of the Royal Ballet of Cambodia on the UNESCO list of the Oral & Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2003.
Our school is free and open to all. We rehearse every weekend at the Canadian International School (CIS), all day.
Classical Dance show
The abduction of Sita
An extract from the Cambodian Ramayana Rama, his wife Sita and Laksmana go into exile from the kingdom of Ayodhya. On the way they meet the King of demons Ravana who falls in love with the beauty of Sita and kidnaps her and bring her to his palace in Langka. Rama with the help of the valiant Hanuman decides to deliver Sita.
OR
The Coronation of King Jayavarman 7
A creation combining classical dance and traditional Bokator fighting techniques. Prince Jayavarman 7 and Princess Indra Devi learn of a rebellion in the kingdom. They immediately raise their armies to confront their enemies. Victorious in battle, they returned to the capital of Angkor, where the people cheered them on and festivities were organized for their coronation as King and Queen of the Khmer people.
Screening
The perfect Motion (on request only)
Based on Auguste Rodin’s 1906 encounter with King Sisowath’s royal dancers, Princess Buppha Devi created a new choreography entitled Neang Waddhana Devi. Mr. Xavier de Lausanne filmed this adventure, following the work of the princess and introducing us to the history of the Royal Ballet through a richly documented historical evocation. The film will be followed by a Preah Thorn dance (optional) performed in pure turn-of-the-century style.