Rebirth of the Dance 1980

 

It has been estimated that 90% of trained classical dancers died during the Pol Pot regime. While the surviving dancers within Cambodia were struggling to revive their art in Phnom Penh in 1979, a similar phenomenon was occurring in the refugee camp of Khao-I-Dang in Thailand, near the border. One of the first activities was the establishment of a dance class for children. The incomplete ward space of the hospital was utilized for dance practice. The rough stony floor was covered with plastic tarpaulin, and teaching commenced.

In 1981, Voan Savay, who had taken the leading role in the Apsara Dance in 1974, arrived at the border with her husband. She started dance classes in the camps, and in 1985 set up a Cultural Centre in Site 2. She remained in the area for ten years teaching the dance. 

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​*Please click the gallery below to see the photos.