Khmer classical dance survived attempted erasure under the Khmer Rouge, who executed artists, intellectuals, teachers, journalists, and others they perceived as threats to their regime. In the years that followed, surviving artists revived and continued the tradition, which endures today across generations and across borders, carried forward by the children of refugees in the U.S. This ongoing documentary project follows the dancers, the rituals, and the traditions they sustain—exploring what it means to honor a tradition shaped by loss and strengthened through survival.
An altar sits in the corner of the studio, where dancers prepare to perform a Khmer classical dance called Robam Phoung Neary. Before each performance, they light incense, set intentions, and pray to their ancestors—offering blessings and asking for blessings in return.
Dancers help each other unravel and stretch the red cloth worn for their traditional garb.
A dancer rolls the cloth before it is tied and pinned.
A dancer carefully knots and pins the traditional garb.
Gold bracelets adorn the dancers. Here, one dancer places an ankle bracelet on another as they continue preparing.
One dancer helps another with the smaller details of her garb in front of the altar.
The dancers find a narrow hallway to practice the routine before the dress rehearsal.
A dancer pins Naga ears to her hair in the dressing room as the last adornment before the performance.
