• Society

“Madison Now” — a Unique Show of Madison and Khmer Classical Dance 

• By Teng Yalirozy
• March 1, 2024 4:15 PM

PHOM PENH — Phare Ponleu Selpak and the French Institute of Cambodia​ are presenting on March 1 and 2 the new contemporary show “Madison Now” that highlights the beauty of Cambodia’s classical dance along with the exuberance of Madison dance.

Sixteen professional and independent dancers, teachers, and students from the Secondary School of Fine Arts in Phnom Penh and Phare Ponleu Selpak in Battambang will rock the stage, intent on offering the audience a new experience. 

Michael Laub, who is a Belgian stage director and contemporary dance choreographer, and Cambodian dancer and choreographer Vanthy Khen have worked together to blend in a work Madison dance's traditional motions with the signature Khmer classical-dance movements.

As Laub explained, Madison originated in the United States and was later used by French filmmakers. In Cambodia, it was transformed into something entirely original by incorporating Khmer classical-dance movements, resulting in a distinctive form that differs significantly from the dance in United States.

“Madison is very much about the ‘Now,’” he said. “The main reason I'm doing what I'm doing here is that I love working with these (Cambodian dancers) with all these answers, because they are really Now. But they are now with a respect [for dance]. That's why I like working with classical dancers: because they have the discipline.”

Laub has been involved in five projects, including Madison, with Vanthy Khen since 2014. Their work involves adding contemporary elements to the traditional arts and dance to make them more appealing to the younger generations.

While Vanthy Khen is calling Madison a traditional dance, Laub says he finds something novel in it. The hand gestures in the Khmer classical dance and Laub’s choreography are combined in “Madison Now:” The basic dance moves of Madison, which mostly involve leg gestures, have been broken down into new moves.

“The stories and experiences of each dancer are incorporated into Madison Now,” Vanthy said. “Though it’s not a long story, everyone has his own special experience, which makes up a beautiful storyline for Madison Now.”

Cambodian dancer and choreographer Vanthy Khen have worked with Michael Laub to blend in a work Madison dance's traditional motions with the signature Khmer classical-dance movements. Photo: Oyen Rodriguez

Madison is a popular dance in Cambodia, known for its group dynamics and oneness, Laub said. “Madison Now,” thus, aims to showcase this dance in a setting different from the usual ones of weddings or nightclubs, he said.

The project has involved working with classically-trained dancers who can perform movements that others cannot, the goal being to make the dance more enjoyable for both the audience and the dancers.

The show’s goal is to give a special experience and enjoyment to audiences, which is his main reason for coming up with the performance, Laub said. Both he and Vanthy have the same respect for Khmer classical dance, he said, which is why they modernize the dance without completely distorting the moves.

In 2023-2024, Laub worked in Cambodia on a performance with 23 people, of whom 18 did not speak English. Still, he truly enjoyed working in such an environment and with those dancers, he said.

“Cambodian classical and traditional dances are national treasures of international quality,” he said.”

“Madison Now” is staged at The Canadian International School in Phnom Penh as a work in progress on March 1st and 2nd at 7.30 pm.

People can obtain tickets through this link.