Khmer classical dance, performed to traditional music, is renowned for its graceful hand gestures and stunning costumes, and has a 1,000-year history. Dance student Tola Thina, 18, last month practices with other students at the Secondary School of Fine Arts in Phnom Penh. Khmer classical dance, performed to traditional music, is renowned for its graceful hand gestures and stunning costumes and has a 1,000-year history. Photo: AFPEnrollment in the Secondary School of Fine Arts in Phnom Penh is falling, and many entrants do not complete the grueling nine-year curriculum. The Secondary School of Fine Arts has more than 90 classical dance teachers and is the primary training center for the next generation.

Source: Taipei Times January 01, 2026 17:30 UTC