Robaim Tep Monorom
(The Happiness of the Gods Dance)

This dance typifies all the grace, elegance, beauty and refinement that defines the Cambodian classical dance repertoire. The dancers, portraying the Cambodian gods and goddesses of antiquity, descend from the heavens and envelop our earthly surroundings with their happiness and joy.

The dance, in its hand and body movements and the song which accompanies the dance, reflects the highly formalized and ritualistic relationships between male and female gods. In turn, the mannerisms of the gods were adopted as part of the Cambodian court ritual and what was also to develop as an artistic courtship ritual as well.

Costuming is an essential part of the Cambodian classical dance repertoire. Highly ornate and detailed, members of the dance troupe and our expert staff of wardrobe specialists spend many hours tailoring the costumes worn by our performers.

In addition, master dancer Sochietah Ung labors tirelessly to create the crowns and headdresses worn by our dancers in the classical dances.

Costuming, like dancing, requires total commitment to the craft.

Pictured above are master dancer Yim Devi Dos and dance director, Madam Sam-Oeun Tes.