Dance in Cambodia

Originally performed and maintained by attendants of the royal palaces, Khmer classical dance was introduced to the general public in the mid-20th century and became widely celebrated as iconic of Cambodian culture, often performed during public events, holidays, and for tourists visiting Cambodia.

The classical repertoire includes dances of tribute or invocation and the enactment of traditional stories and epic poems such as the Ramayana.

During the Lon Nol regime of Cambodia, the dance tradition was referred to as Lakhon Kbach Boran Khmer (ល្ខោនក្បាច់បូរាណខ្មែរ, lit.

"Khmer theatre of the ancient style"), a term that distanced it from its royal legacy.

Created in the 20th century are folk dances that emphasize that various cultural traditions and ethnic groups of Cambodia.