The Royal Academy of Performing Arts (RAPA) renamed as the Traditional Performing Arts and Music Division[1] is a Bhutanese government body within the Ministry of Home Affairs, Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development,[2] that supports the preservation of traditional Bhutanese culture.
[8] The Academy also documents and performs live songs and dances from Bhutan's many diverse regions – from modern rigsar to centuries-old genres – and publishes its collections.
[9] The professional dancers of the Academy hold performances during the annual Thimphu Tsechu dance festival held at Tashichho Dzong.
[6][8][10] The Academy also hosts public dance practices ahead of major events, such as the 2011 royal wedding,[11] and performs abroad.
[12] Leaders of the Academy further participate in international private nonprofit organizations promoting and preserving traditional Bhutanese music and culture.