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Children of Angkor

The ancient art and culture of Angkor and the Khmer people is still vibrant throughout Southeast Asia today. Children born in the land of Angkor who study these arts seem to be infused with spirit, intelligence and natural talents that manifest from the land itself.

Devata.org encourages visitors to support education and the arts in Southeast Asia to give more children the opportunity to discover their natural talents. Our founders have funded the construction of the Srei Devata Elementary School in Kampong Thom and also supports traditional arts education efforts by the Nginn Karet Foundation. Please see our articles for more ideas on how you can participate.

The Sacred Dancers of Angkor perform their first international dance ritual for thousands of worshipper gathered at Wat Phou temple in Laos. February 2012.

UNESCO Announces Sacred Dancers of Angkor US Tour 2013

Hailed by H.M. King Sihamoni of Cambodia as a “highly talented and spiritual” dance troupe, 30 extraordinary young artists are embarking on the Sacred Dancers of Angkor US Tour to perform rare classical, folk and sacred Khmer dance and music. Their mission is to bridge the Cambodian-Americans to their Motherland during the Holy Month of Remembrance of the Ancestors (Pchum Ben which starts on September 20) and to raise awareness about the Cambodian dance. The tour is endorsed and supported by King Norodom Sihamoni, the Cambodian Government and the UNESCO Office in Phnom Penh and is placed under the Auspices of Princess Norodom Boppha Devi.

NKFC Boung Soung at Bayon temple, Angkor - Photo © Anders Jiras

Sacred Angkor Dancers Perform at Bayon Temple

Cambodian dancers from the Conservatoire NKFC Preah Ream Buppha Devi re-sanctify Bayon temple in Angkor with a sacred dance ritual.

Sacred dancers from the Nginn Karet Foundation for Cambodia school learn the ancient art of Angkor as a spiritual practice.

Cambodia’s Sacred Dancers Perform at Angkor on BBC TV

Near the Khmer temple of Banteay Srey at Angkor, “sacred dancers” study the ancient ritual art of Cambodian dance at NKFC’s school.

Sacred rituals of Cambodian dance were formerly done in private for exclusively royal audiences. Photo: Claire Byrne/Phnom Penh Post

Rare Rituals of Cambodian Dance Revealed in Buddhist Temple

Inside the quiet Buddhist pagoda of Wat Bo, visitors witness a royally sanctioned troupe performing ancient rituals of Cambodian dance in Siem Reap..

The troupe of Nginn Karet Foundation (NKFC) dancers gathered at Preah Vihear to perform a Cambodian dance of peace.

Sacred Cambodian Dancers Seek End to Preah Vihear Thailand Cambodia Border Clash

Young Cambodian dancers from the NKFC troupe performed sacred rituals at Preah Vihear temple to honor its sacred origin and pray for peace.

As the sacred ritual at Preah Vihear temple concluded, a storm clouds gathered and raindrops fell -- to the dancers it was a sign that their gods had heard their pleas for peace.

At Preah Vihear Temple – Prayers From Earth to Heaven

At Preah Vihear temple, a religious ceremony of rare intensity took place when 62 young girls danced a sacred ritual to pray for peace.

Dancers of Banteay Srey performing a ritual blessing at a shrine in Siem Reap.

Tiny Dancers of Banteay Srey

Graceful sacred dancers of Banteay Srey train at the NKFC school to perform purifying ritual dances to honor Khmer ancestors and traditions.

Psychological healing from Cambodian dance arts: H.M. King Sihamoni recognized every dancer with a personal greeting as Ravynn Karet-Coxen witnessed the blessings.

Psychological Healing From Cambodian Dance Arts

One rural school run by the NKFC Foundation near Siem Reap in the UNESCO Angkor Heritage Site has discovered psychological healing from Cambodian dance arts.

Nginn-Karet Foundation Teaches Cambodian Dance at Banteay Srey Temple

Nginn-Karet Foundation Teaches Cambodian Dance at Banteay Srey Temple

A Banteay Srey dance school started by Lady Coxen is transforming rough-edged girls from poor Siem Reap villages into disciplined performers of traditional sacred Khmer ceremonies.