Cambodian Celestial Dance

Cambodian Celestial Dance
Khmer name	ក្រុមរបាំសួគ៌ាកម្ពុជា
Type	Arts and culture
Focus areas	Cambodian classical dance; performances; dance training
Subjects	Dance & Theatre; Migration & Diaspora
State / province	Virginia
Country	United States
Founded	2021
Website	Website
Operating status	unverified

Cambodian Celestial Dance (ក្រុមរបាំសួគ៌ាកម្ពុជា) is an independent Cambodian performing arts group based in Northern Virginia. It is directed by master teacher Devi Yim Dos, a graduate of Cambodia's Royal University of Fine Arts, with special appearances by master teacher Sochietah Ung. Its performances feature intricately costumed dancers and music played by a pin peat ensemble. (Cambodian Celestial Dance, official site)

The group states its mission as: "to preserve, educate, and introduce Cambodian classical dance to a broader audience." (Cambodian Celestial Dance, About)

History

The group was founded in 2021 by Devi Yim (Dos) and her students. Its dancers are veteran performers who trained with Devi Yim and elsewhere. (Cambodian Celestial Dance, About)

Lineage and training

Devi Yim graduated from the University of Fine Arts in Phnom Penh in 1987/1988 (estimated; the group's site gives 1988 and Cambodian-American Heritage gives 1987). She toured Cambodia, India, the Soviet Union, Vietnam and Korea, and in 1990 toured the United States with the University of Fine Arts dance troupe. For about thirty years she has been one of the principal master dancers and teachers in the United States. (Cambodian Celestial Dance, About; Cambodian-American Heritage, Inc., master dancers)

Cambodian-American Heritage describes her as its dance director and as one of a small group of performers to command all three major female roles of the dance dramas: Sita, the apsara Mera and Moni Mekhala. See Cambodian American Heritage. (Cambodian-American Heritage, Inc., master dancers)

Repertory and works

The repertory ranges from dance dramas of love, magic and war to pure dance forms, with characters including princes and princesses, giants, monkeys and male and female deities. Devi Yim portrays Princess Pimpa. Performances are tailored to each event. (Cambodian Celestial Dance, Portfolios; Cambodian Celestial Dance, About)

Performances and recognition

Past performances listed by the group: (Cambodian Celestial Dance, Portfolios)

Red Eye Night Market, Washington, D.C. (November 2021)
Buddhacheya Mongkol Temple, Woodbridge, Virginia (April 2022)
Cambodian New Year Celebration, Palm Coast, Florida (April 2022)
Global Dance Showcase, Cheverly, Maryland (April 2022)
GALA International Night, Charlestown, West Virginia (June 2022)
Kampuchea Krom Temple, Nokesville, Virginia (October 2022)
Sandy Spring Museum, Sandy Spring, Maryland (May 2023)
HypeFoodies Block Party, Annandale, Virginia (June 2023)
OCA National Convention, Washington, D.C. (July 2023)
Hill Center, Washington, D.C. (September 2023)
Royal Embassy of Cambodia, Washington, D.C. (April 2024)
Harmony Hall Arts Center, Fort Washington, Maryland (May 2024)
The Pentagon (May 2024)
State Department, Washington, D.C. (May 2024)

Devi Yim's United States performances have included the Smithsonian Institution, the Library of Congress, the National Council for the Traditional Arts, the Kennedy Center, the White House, the Joyce Theater and Jacob's Pillow. (Cambodian Celestial Dance, About)

People

Team members named by the group: (Cambodian Celestial Dance, About)

Devi Yim, master teacher and artistic director
Sochietah Ung, master teacher and special guest
Visal Doung, Linda Webb, Suteera Nagavajara, Maytinee Pramawat, Sopheavattey Phat and Sadira Biv, dance members
Gary Marco, administrative support
Naro Bou, costume and wardrobe

Visiting and participation

The group performs at Cambodian festivals, temple observances of Cambodian holidays, private events, weddings, fundraisers and other cultural events. (Cambodian Celestial Dance, Portfolios)

Website: cambodiancelestialdance.com

Sources