When you realise that you've been taught incorrectly for the entire 15 years that you've been a dancer...
From Student, to Teacher and back to Student again.
To train with the Khmer Arts Academy had been one of my greatest childhood dreams, ever since I started learning to dance robam Khmer in Melbourne when I was about 11 years old. Due to the lack of students, commitment and consistency of our group, I was never able to practice or learn as much as I wanted to. When I went to the states for my cousin's wedding, I just had to seize the opportunity, and make that wish come true - for who knew when I'd ever be on that side of the world again; especially when I was already that close. To this day, I seriously still can't believe it actually happened.
So much learning to unlearn, but I remain bounded by my continuous commitment to excellence.
Although this video doesn't replace the many years of actual training required to master the Art, may it serve as a general introduction for those who may be interested. Here is the 'correct' way, as taught by Master Dancers and Graduates from the Royal Ballet of Fine Arts in Phnom Penh.
Featuring Mea Lath and Charya Burt 🎭