Lakhaon Khaol Youth of Cambodia Train Kids for Free
Chamroeun Nyrattanak, a nine-year-old student, has been learning Lakhaon Khaol for almost six months.
- By Heng Sreylin
- August 23, 2023 8:59 AM
PHNOM PENH – In a move to preserve Khmer ancient arts, the local group Lakhaon Khaol Youth of Cambodia provides free lessons to teach kids and youth the traditional dance of Lakhaon Khaol.
Located near Chuk Meas market, in Phnom Penh’s Sen Sok district, a studio established by Lakhaon Khaol Youth of Cambodia provides free training every Sunday morning for around 30 kids.
Khon Chansinan, a professional trainer with 20 years of experience, says the lessons help the next generation understand the art and make sure its techniques are passed on to the youth. Just like Bokator, or the shadow theater, Lakhaon Khaol is part of Cambodia's intangible cultural heritage.
But to be a trainer, one not only has to know the art but also to be patient, said Chansinan.
“Training young children is very difficult. Many times, the instructor explains something but the kids do differently … so we rely on our experience and patience to train the children,” the teacher explained.
Following the announcement that free Lakhaon Khaol lessons were given at his place, he observed that many parents were interested and saw more and more encouragement from parents for their children to learn.
He said he’s been seeing a continuous increase in enthusiasm in his students and feels like the number of trainees is likely to keep increasing in the coming months.
Chamroeun Nyrattanak, a nine-year-old student, has been learning Lakhaon Khaol for almost six months. He fell in love with the art when he saw dancers performing. All he wanted was to do like them.
“When I make a mistake, the teacher is nice to me and doesn’t blame me. He only corrects me until I do it right,” Nyrattanak said, adding that he also practices more at home to get better quicker.
With his sister, who is also a dancer, he has received a lot of support from his family, to the point that he wants to be an outstanding Lakhaon Khaol dancer. While he is still learning the basic moves of the dance, he will then learn how to dance and play the different characters of the art, which combines dancing techniques with traditional Khmer theater stories.
Another practitioner, Veng Chengly, a 15-year-old Secondary School of Fine Arts student, said the studio is a place where he can improve himself. He spared his free time on Sunday to travel from Kandal Province for training.
“It’s not difficult for those who have passion, but for those who don't, it must be difficult,” he said. “I have been passionate about it since I was young when I saw the show on TV.”
Parents too, enjoy coming to the lessons, to see their children practice and revive ancient Khmer traditions.
“I want my kid to know about Lakhaon Khaol because it’s our tradition that comes from our ancestors,” said Hy Chanhan, the father of one of the students.
He wants his children to learn out-of-school skills, including traditional dancing, as they allow them to be more understanding and flexible in all circumstances. He also wants to promote Cambodian art on the international stage.
“Although this generation lives in the modern world, don’t forget our tradition,” he said.
Originally written in Khmer for ThmeyThmey, this story was translated by Te Chhaysinh for Cambodianess.
