There are about 4500 hand gestures in Khmer Classical Dance, a World Intangible Heritage (Since 2003).
The Dance is embodiment of an hybrid race between Naga (Mythological Serpent) and human being, a semi-divine race known as the "Khmer" as it has been said that the Cambodian Luna dynasty were established by the union of Kaundinya-Nagi Soma. The other famous legend found in Baksei Chamkrong inscription of Angkor also reveal that the Cambodian dynastic legend in which the hermic Kambu Swayambhuva and the celestial nymph Apsara Mera united and establish the Cambodian Solar Dynasty. These two legends of the origin of Khmer people can be very well recognized through the Cambodian classical dance characteristic until today.
For Khmer Classical Dancer define them as celestial being of enlightenment one, as a result of the collaboration work between God and Devil churning the milky ocean. It is importance for Khmer Classical Dancer to remind their attitude as elegant, and are training based on many years through dedication with addition to her high resiliency, or simply call "Soft but tough" interpreting through her thousands of combination of gentle movements. This mindfulness training allow dancer to purify and concentrate on her mind as a messenger of a God-King from Earth to Heaven.
Understanding the deep meaning of the UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE— KHMER CLASSICAL DANCE. This is my attempt to put things together for educational purpose about this performance art.
Credit:
Originally presented by Prumsodon UK, a Khmer Classical Dance Master in TED Talk
