Toun Sokea, president of the Khmer Angkor Training Art Club (KATAC) is calling for support due to a lack of financial support to build a dance hall for Cambodian children who are learning with the club.
Khmer dance is a traditional art form that has been passed down through generations in Cambodia. It is a form of classical dance that is characterized by its graceful movements, intricate hand gestures, and elaborate costumes.
KATAC was created in 2019 by a group of volunteer teachers who are passionate about Khmer culture and want to share the beauty of Khmer art with the next generation. The club offers classes in Khmer dance, including royal dancing, Lakhon Khol, and musical instruments.
“KATAC has many students who are interested in learning, and currently we have 110 students at our old location. However, after moving to Siem Reap city, some students are facing challenges with accommodation and transportation. As a result, some students have dropped out, and now only 45 students are able to learn, ranging in age from four to 18,” Sokea told Kiripost.
Sokea, who is also representative of the club's volunteer teachers and youths, said that the KATAC would not exist today without the generous support of its donors, and he is now calling for support from everyone to help it continue to exist and provide opportunities for Cambodian youths to learn and preserve their art.
“On the one hand, because they love from the bottom of their hearts and want to contribute to preserving the national culture, a group of volunteer teachers are willing to co-create this art club to provide knowledge to boys, girls, young men, and women with love,” Sokea said.
“The teachers here spend all their energy and effort. Personally, the teachers who participate in the club training do not receive a salary, and the training of the young people is free, and they also have the support of their parents and siblings. The art club was created with love from the bottom of the hearts of teachers and some parents and siblings who joined to support and encourage.”
Sokea noted that Khmer dance is an important part of Cambodia's cultural heritage, and efforts have been made to preserve and promote the art form. There are now several dance schools and organizations in Cambodia that teach Khmer dance to the younger generation, and the art form is also gaining recognition around the world.
To support KATAC, contact Toun Sokea on 070963963 or 092879728.
