UNESCO Announces Sacred Dancers of Angkor US Tour 2013

On Sunday, 15 September 2013 at 2.00 pm, UNESCO announces Sacred Dancers of Angkor US Tour 2013 at the VIP room of Pochentong Airport, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The troupe will then embark on their much anticipated first month-long tour of the US.

The Sacred Dancers of Angkor performed their first international dance ritual for thousands of worshipers gathered at Wat Phou temple in Laos in February 2012. In September 2013 they embark on their first tour to the USA
The Sacred Dancers of Angkor performed their first international dance ritual for thousands of worshipers gathered at Wat Phou temple in Laos in February 2012. In September 2013 they embark on their first tour to the USA

Hailed by H.M. King Sihamoni of Cambodia as a “highly talented and spiritual” dance troupe, these 30 extraordinary young artists will be visiting 4 major cities performing a 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.

The Sacred Dancers of Angkor perform their first international dance ritual for thousands of worshipper gathered at Wat Phou temple in Laos. February 2012.The Sacred Dancers of Angkor perform their first international dance ritual for thousands of worshipper gathered at Wat Phou temple in Laos. February 2012.The Sacred Dancers of Angkor perform their first international dance ritual for thousands of worshipper gathered at Wat Phou temple in Laos. February 2012.The Sacred Dancers of Angkor perform their first international dance ritual for thousands of worshipper gathered at Wat Phou temple in Laos. February 2012.The Sacred Dancers of Angkor perform their first international dance ritual for thousands of worshipper gathered at Wat Phou temple in Laos. February 2012.The Sacred Dancers of Angkor perform blessing rituals at the National Museum of Cambodia honoring George Groslier, the museum’s founding director. February, 2011.The Sacred Dancers of Angkor perform blessing rituals at the National Museum of Cambodia honoring George Groslier, the museum’s founding director. February, 2011.The Sacred Dancers of Angkor perform blessing rituals at the National Museum of Cambodia honoring George Groslier, the museum’s founding director. February, 2011.The Sacred Dancers of Angkor perform blessing rituals at the National Museum of Cambodia honoring George Groslier, the museum’s founding director. February, 2011.At Preah Vihear temple, the NKFC Sacred Dancers of Angkor troupe perform a blessing ritual calling for peace. August 2011.At Preah Vihear temple, the NKFC Sacred Dancers of Angkor troupe perform a blessing ritual calling for peace. August 2011.At Preah Vihear temple, the NKFC Sacred Dancers of Angkor troupe perform a blessing ritual calling for peace. August 2011.At Preah Vihear temple, the NKFC Sacred Dancers of Angkor troupe perform a blessing ritual calling for peace. August 2011.The NKFC Sacred Dancers of Angkor troupe performing a blessing ritual at Bayon temple in Angkor Thom. February 2013. Photo by Anders Jiras.The NKFC Sacred Dancers of Angkor troupe performing a blessing ritual at Bayon temple in Angkor Thom. February 2013. Photo by Anders Jiras.The NKFC Sacred Dancers of Angkor troupe performing a blessing ritual at Bayon temple in Angkor Thom. February 2013. Photo by Anders Jiras.The NKFC Sacred Dancers of Angkor troupe performing a blessing ritual at Bayon temple in Angkor Thom. February 2013. Photo by Anders Jiras.The NKFC Sacred Dancers of Angkor troupe performing a blessing ritual at Bayon temple in Angkor Thom. February 2013. Photo by Anders Jiras.The NKFC Sacred Dancers of Angkor troupe performing a blessing ritual at Bayon temple in Angkor Thom. February 2013. Photo by Anders Jiras.The Sacred Dancers of Angkor perform their first international dance ritual for thousands of worshipper gathered at Wat Phou temple in Laos. February 2012.

The Nginn Karet Foundation for Cambodia which is leading the initiative has been committed to helping disadvantaged villagers of Angkor and improving their life expectancy and living standards through their programme on rural development. The population of the 14 villages currently supported by NKFC totals an estimated 12,778 people of 2,334 families representing about 40 per cent of the total population of Banteay Srey District.

Since 2007, the Preah Ream Boppha Devi NKFC Conservatoire has trained over 170 dancers and musicians in traditional Cambodian performing arts and maintaining the cultural legacy of traditional Khmer dance. 25 dancers have been selected to participate in the Sacred Dancers of Angkor US Tour 2013.

All journalists are invited to attend the press conference on 15 September at 2:00 pm.

Click here to download a PDF of the “UNESCO Announces Sacred Dancers of Angkor US Tour 2013” press release.

Sacred Dancers of Angkor US Tour Overview

BOSTON September 14 – 23

NEW YORK September 23 – 30

WASHINGTON DC October 1 – 10

LOS ANGELES October 10 – 22

For press conference information, please contact:

Ms. Jamie Lee
Communications and Information Focal Point
UNESCO
TEL: 078 77 21 44
Email: hj.lee@unesco.org