Apsara: In Hindu cosmology, apsaras are celestial nymphs who dance for the gods. Their image is carved into thousands of bas-reliefs at Angkor. The dance has codified these poses into a choreographic vocabulary of 4,500 hand and body positions, passed down orally from master to student for centuries.

A Miraculous Revival

The Khmer Rouge systematically executed artists, musicians, and dancers — the bearers of culture. It is estimated that 90% of royal dancers perished between 1975 and 1979. The reconstruction of classical Khmer dance relies on the few survivors, primarily elderly women who reconstructed the repertoire from memory in the 1980s.

Today, the Royal University of Fine Arts in Phnom Penh is training hundreds of dancers again. Classes start at ages 5-6, and mastery takes 10-15 years. It is one of the most demanding artistic training programs in the world.

Where to See an Apsara Dance Performance

In Siem Reap

Several options depending on budget and context:

Apsara Theatre (Angkor Village Hotel) — One of the best Apsara dance shows in Siem Reap, set in a traditional wooden Khmer setting. Evening show with optional buffet dinner (25-45 USD all-inclusive). Duration: 1 hour of performance.

Restaurants with shows included in dinner — Several restaurants around Pub Street offer dance performances during meals (15-25 USD dinner included). Quality varies — some are excellent, while others are very touristy. Check TripAdvisor for recent reviews.

Cambodian Cultural Village — A themed cultural park with performances of traditional dances from various Cambodian ethnic groups, including Apsara dance. More educational than spectacular, but interesting for the cultural diversity presented.

In Phnom Penh

The Chaktomuk Theatre occasionally hosts performances of classical Khmer dance, especially during national holidays. Performances by the Royal Ballet of Cambodia at the Royal Palace take place during official ceremonies — they are not always accessible to foreign audiences, but keep an eye out for announcements during Water Festival (Bon Om Touk, in October-November).

Dinner-show performance Siem Reap 20-45 USD (buffet + show)
Show only 12-20 USD
Show duration 45 min to 1h15

Experience Dance Differently: Dance Lessons

Several schools in Siem Reap offer introductions to Apsara dance for non-dancers — learn the 5-6 basic hand positions, understand the body language. These 1-2 hour workshops (15-30 USD) are often as memorable as passive performances.

GetYourGuide — Apsara Dance Shows & Workshops
Dinner-show or introduction · Siem Reap · Free cancellation
On nous pose souvent ces questions

Questions fréquentes

Partially. The dancers are often real students or graduates from serious dance schools, but the format (mini-shows between courses) is not that of a full performance. To see the Apsara dance in all its depth, choose a dedicated show (Apsara Theatre, Phare shows if on the program) rather than a reduced version in a restaurant.

In most tourist shows, yes. In official contexts (Royal Palace, ceremonies), no or only with permission. Always check the rules at the entrance. Stage lighting is often challenging for photography — a good smartphone in portrait mode generally performs better than a camera without flash in low light.