The Khmer Arts Salon Series continues at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20 with the screening of "Dancing Nation: The Royal Ballet of Cambodia" at the Khmer Arts Academy Studio, 1364 Obispo Avenue.
After gaining independence from France, Cambodia sought ways to reintroduce its culture and traditional arts in a postcolonial world. This led to a golden age for many Khmer arts, from architecture to pop music to classical dance.
Robam Apsara and Robam Tep Monorom, two popular classical dance pieces were created during the postcolonial flourish between 1953 to 1970. Although they are frequently presented on international stages, they have rarely been seen on film.
Curator Prumsodun Ok and the Khmer Arts Academy will air "Dancing Nation" a 1967 filim shot in color with English subtitles.
According to Ok, the film "serves as valuable documentation of the art of Cambodian classical dance in and out of performance and exemplifies well the nationalistic fervor of the day."
As with all Salon shows, admission is free and the presentation will be followed by a discussion period.
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