Trot
| Trot | |
|---|---|
| Khmer name | របាំ ត្រុដិ ខ្មែរ |
| Also known as | Robam Trot; Trod dance; Trot |
| Practice type | Performing art |
| Usual occasion | Khmer New Year |
| Subjects | Dance & Theatre |
| Creator pages | Chheng Phon |
Trot is a performing-art tradition practised in Cambodia and Khmer communities. (Wikipedia)
Practice
Trot dance is a traveling group performance that dramatizes the hunting and killing of a deer. Masked hunters, a deer figure, musicians, comic characters, giants, monsters, and other performers move from house to house or perform at pagodas, schools, institutions, and public places. The procession is accompanied by Khmer instruments, songs, dancing, offerings, and the collection of money from spectators. It is believed to drive away bad luck, encourage good fortune, and, in some accounts, invite rain and fertility. (Wikipedia; IntoCambodia)
History
The supplied accounts associate the dance with Mon-Khmer and Samre or Somrae communities, while also describing royal and Buddhist narratives about its origin. It was reportedly performed for kings during New Year celebrations and later became a widespread Khmer New Year rite. One account says its popularity was renewed after the Khmer Rouge period through efforts associated with Culture Minister Chheng Phon. (Wikipedia; IntoCambodia)
Variations
Performances vary by region and troupe. Accounts describe Siem Reap processions going to Angkor Wat and a pagoda for blessing, while other versions include different characters, peacock costumes, black-nailed performers, animal figures, and varying musical instruments. (Wikipedia; IntoCambodia)
Communities and practitioners
The practice is maintained by Khmer communities and is associated in the supplied accounts with Samre or Somrae, Por, Suoy, indigenous, and Cambodian Chinese communities. Troupes may be hired by schools, pagodas, ministries, city halls, and other community institutions. (Wikipedia; IntoCambodia)