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Khmer classical dance is a form of dance in Cambodia. The name for this type of dance is known by various names in English, from Khmer royal ballet to Khmer court dance; UNESCO lists it as the Royal Ballet of Cambodia but also mentions "Khmer classical dance." [1] In Khmer, it is formally known as robam preah reachea trop which means 'dances of royal wealth'.[2] During the Lon Nol regime of Cambodia, its name was changed to robam kbach boran khmer, literally 'Khmer dance of the ancient style', a term which does not make any reference to its royal past.[2] Highly stylized and performed mainly by females, Khmer classical dance was originally mainly confined to the courts of royal palaces. This dance form is also showcased in the many forms of Khmer theatre (lkhaon) such as Lkhaon Kbach Boran (a genre of dance drama, performed by women). Khmer classical dancers are often referred to as apsara dancers, which is incorrect as the Apsarases are celestial nymphs seen on the many ruins of Angkor.

  1. ^ The Royal Ballet of Cambodia | UNESCO Phnom Penh | UNESCO.ORG
  2. ^ a b Peter Fletcher: "World Musics in Context: A Comprehensive Survey of the World's Major Musical Cultures" page 306. Oxford University Press