Royal Ballet celebrates 20th anniversary on UNESCO list

via Phnom Penh Post, 07 November 2023: It has been 20 years since Khmer Classical Dance has been inscribed into the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

Renowned for its elegant hand movements and exquisite attire, the Royal Ballet of Cambodia, also referred to as Khmer Classical Dance, shares a profound connection with the Khmer court that spans more than a millennium.

Marking two decades since UNESCO’s acknowledgment of the Royal Ballet, scholars throughout the realm have called for increased promotion of this time-honoured dance form, with a view to safeguarding it for posterity.

Cambodian historian Sambo Manara explained that this classical dance tradition initially had an exclusive domain within the Royal Palace, reserved for the eyes of monarchs alone.

“This dance boasts a rich history intertwined with temple sculptures, jewellery, costumes and decorations,” he said.

Source: Royal Ballet celebrating 20th anniversary on UNESCO list | Phnom Penh Post