The magic of Khmer classical dance | Prumsodun Ok

For more than 1,000 years, Khmer dancers in Cambodia have been seen as living bridges between heaven and earth. In this graceful dance-talk hybrid, artist Prumsodun Ok -- founder of Cambodia's first all-male and gay-identified dance company -- details the rich history of Khmer classical dance and its current revival, playing the ancient and ageless role of artist as messenger.
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[@shivashakti4261]

The way he speaks is so relaxing.

[@mariachipande]

Isah Burias so true

[@shakirascott4062]

Angelic

[@annecollins7065]

Such a gracious, lovely young man. I was hoping to see him dance.

[@MizzWGGrrrl]

@@annecollins7065 Me too! Me too!

[@lynnwalube1773]

@@annecollins7065 me too

[@zoeedmiston9386]

This man is so courageous to display his culture, his own identity and his craft. How have we not realized the importance of cherishing and supporting artists in the science/tech community? He said it himself...art, tradition and beauty are the differences between a slave and a conscious servant. I am so disappointed in the reactions in the comments...keep delivering these amazing representations of artists TED, in fact, I hope to see more.

[@TxColter]

"Courageous" for this guy being who he is and had no say in the matter? That's not courageous, it's luck. If a white guy went up there to display his "culture" of hockey and ice fishing, his heterosexual identity, and a personal hobby, is that still courageous? No, you're just virtue signaling: "Yay minorities!" It's insulting to everyone, including them.

[@vidtrim1120]

TxColter Yes courageous since being who he is a major drawback in life and him to be this proud of and open about his culture and himself is brave. Being gay makes your life more difficult. Being non-white, especially black, (in a western country) makes your life more difficult. Being straight and white doesn't make your life more difficult. The chances of you facing actual discrimation based on your sexual orientation or race are very slim, for him it's different.

[@zoeedmiston9386]

TxColter one's identity, history, parents, place of birth etc. are all factors of 'chance', yes. However how you choose to live out those facts is by choice. This is why many people stay closeted their entire lives, or assimilate to another culture out of shame or for fear of being singled out as different. What's courageous is that in a white, Herero normative society he is brave enough to be different from the norm. That should be celebrated. There are plenty of spaces around the world for a white straight cis athlete to be celebrated, it's high time difference and diversity be displayed as something more than novelty.

[@erikzellers2925]

"No, you're just virtue signaling" says txcolter - but the very accusation of virtue signaling is intrinsically virtue signalling - as well as a right-wing tactic for dismissing criticism of their prejudices and bad behavior.

[@1einst]

RE: "Being non-white, especially black, (in a western country) makes your life more difficult. Being straight and white doesn't make your life more difficult." That is bullshit, it has nothing to do with race and everything to do with culture. Not all whites are setup for success, not all blacks are setup for failure. No one person is at a systemic disadvantage and if you believe otherwise I would love to see some evidence.

[@Xentradi97]

I find his voice and movement rather insightful and soothing.

[@WashingtonDC20032]

Yes!

[@deborahkelly1489]

Yes, he was mesmerising, easy to watch and comfortable to listen to . I love all forms of dance but this was interesting and informative to watch. I would love to have seen a seen him dance though .

[@Xentradi97]

@@deborahkelly1489 I seen similar dance movements when I traveled to Bali and Thailand. Didnt think much of the movement (fingers curling like snake) or thot there was any meaning behind each one. Now I know and very impressed by what it expresses.

[@naomic6009]

Me too

[@deborahkelly1489]

@@Xentradi97 You nailed it ! I do wonder if it's painful to assume the different positions ( ie: hands , fingers, feet ) within the dance itself and how long it takes to perfect each one ? OR, does it come naturally.?

[@francinexoxo7363]

Tears rolling down my eyes and not sure why. Everything he says are simple truths but he says it with tranquility.

[@feliciamoore8440]

It makes me sad they humans feel they need slaves to live...if we could all just move forward on that bridge of beauty.

[@el-sadiko_3893]

Francinexoxo are you stupid ??

[@helenpaul67]

Mine too... especially where he mention the loss of the dance culture..he looks like the gentlest of soul ive ever seen

[@johnsullivan9227]

Ok. Just sip a starbucks and stfu beta

[@rozannaherring1578]

You have expressed my feelings exactly.

[@vitocoleone9349]

Cambodia is truly underrated because they are overshadowed by their neighbors. I hope the country and its culture get the recognition like the Egyptian or Mayan culture.

[@neilmodino9284]

It's not true. Cambodia is not under rated. The culture and its history has gone through so much persecution and violence because of the Khmer Rouge regime. Alot of these dancers were killed because the Regime did not believe in culture and the culture of apsara was actually against the teachings of communism ideology which is infact untrue. In actuality regime blamed the privilege ones because the poor class was suffering from inequality and they destroyed these dance because it is for elite and against the communist ideology. Right now they are slowly developing and coming back to life because lots of these dancers and educators were killed in the khmer rouge.

[@chhuonpich95]

Yes, it is true. Khmer culture have been influence on Thai people until now.

[@sudyodcreation6983]

@@chhuonpich95 Cambodian dynasty Received knowledge of art and culture. From the Thai royal family and the Thai royal family sent people to teach in Cambodia.

[@littlemrpinkness295]

Did you see his face throughout? He was transcendant! That was lovely. He is helping to revive a people's soul.

[@nunisaurus]

I did classical dancing as a child, but no one told me the meaning of the gestures. Thank you so much! You make me so proud to be a Cambodian American.

[@Nle315]

His talk and movements are so graceful. As someone born during this time his talk hit home. Thankful for people like him trying to revive what was almost lost.

[@das2927]

Love to Khmer, Cambodia from India. Love to all our asian brothers!

[@jessalyn9305]

His dance moves, expressions, and messages are so eloquently conveyed.

[@miserylovecompany7556]

For those people who said he's racist because he said " your light skin means you don't have to work under the sun " no, he's not being racist. If you listen carefully, you will also hear him say that " in Khmer rough era, you will be killed because did this ASSUMED privileges ". THE KEY WORD HERE IS ASSUMED. The idea that light skin people don't work under the sun, is not his idea. He was merely trying to give an example of what the Khmer rough's agenda. ( if you know of French revolutionary, it's something like that.) There are plenty of fair skin people here in Cambodia, and some of them work as hard as anybody else.

[@rtth1772]

Misery Love Company , can't always fixed stupid.

[@miserylovecompany7556]

RT TH well, we can only try.

[@stevethea5250]

That's how flawed and brutal the Pol Pot regime was I'm so glad someone is passing on the tradition and history. Kampuchea was such a strong empire ruling most of the land in Thailand, Laos, Vietnam. But bad people have lost our glory and government corruption and collision is still so big over there

[@NEENAWZ]

Misery Love Company THANK YOU

[@chinenyenwokenna6297]

Misery Love Company girl don’t bother. You know people love to use that word the MINUTE truth is exposed.

[@RosieN]

I was in Cambodia for 3 weeks-right when I landed I could feel the aura of pain and suffering. I've visited the killing fields and genocide museum, it was all such a sobering experience. I regret not seeing a traditional Khmer Dance. It truly is a beautiful art form. I admire the body control, patience and language in the dance. I'm going to practice the cycle of life hand movements, truly magnificent!

[@miserylovecompany7556]

Rosie N good luck bending your fingers though. This dance demands for flexible handwork to execute the move beautifully .

[@mengseavmey3641]

Rosie N it’s great if you’ve got chance to see Cambodia again and know what you wanted to know since then. You can travel to Siem Reap, a province which has so many history things especially culture and traditional temples.

[@stevethea5250]

Did they and for extra money at the airport

[@Genzgenzo509]

Thanks u all for supporting Khmer traditional dance(^-^)

[@-Zevin-]

I too have visited the killing fields, a truly terrible and life changing experience. The Khmer rouge was absolutely awful. People try to blame the horrible nature of the Khmer Rouge on communism. Here is some interesting facts for anyone interested in that terrible time: The Khmer Rouge was a nationalist movement and opposed by communists of the time all over the world, particularly Vietnamese communists. So the CIA funded and helped the Khmer Rouge thinking it would prevent Vietnamese communism from spreading to Cambodia. They did this with the rational at the time of the "domino theory" The Khmer rouge was finally destroyed and the genocide stopped in the end by the Vietnamese army and Vietnamese communists, who acted and stopped the genocide, turned the country back over to the Cambodian people and didn't occupy the country. Communism in the end saved Cambodia. If you visit Phnom Penh today you will see the prominent Vietnamese Cambodian friendship monument, Vietnamese soldier side by side with a Cambodian soldier protecting a woman and her baby. History is always more complicated than you first think.

[@johnvisal1673]

I’m proud to be Khmer people . I love my country, my people my culture

[@htikeyadana212]

Can someone help how to contact him please 🙏?

[@user-hs1wv4ic3m]

太棒了，每种文化传承都需要大家一致绽放 ，文化传承真的很重要，因为它是老祖宗给后人的宝物，是每个民族的象征，很佩服舞蹈演员者们的努力，感谢让我看到那么好的演讲

[@briganja]

What an amazingly charismatic and poetic speaker. His body is his well tended temple

[@sweetsoverload9212]

In his words there was such a hum of peace and an undertone of sorrow when he spoke of the strife. To be so aware of his tone and body movement at all times- just wow. What an incredible human

[@suzana_grau]

The dance between history and its effect and the beauty he was able to distil and bring onward. Beautifuly and gracefuly shared. Thank you.

[@stevethea5250]

Thanks Suzana for acknowledging our selves

[@whitelightsheddinweedsmokin]

There is so much beauty and fluidity in the form and richness in the movements. From a classical ballet dancer perspective this man is a rare gemstone! Thank you for introducing us! 🙌

[@sandytep4]

I love it! My culture. 🇰🇭🇰🇭🇰🇭

[@SOLOTRAVELLER2024]

Sandy Tep We all love Cambodian culture.

[@3racha_ckiisses349]

Ayy! We have the same last name. I haven’t met someone with my last name (other than family) in a LONG time!

[@ohshititsbryanna7987]

wait a minute,do you know serena tep?

[@stevethea5250]

@@3racha_ckiisses349 I see a lot of Tep on Facebook hehe

[@zaire_scott]

ohh you are the cambodian too?

[@handsomeknight5053]

This guy is artistically telling the history of his country! Well said and well done!

[@bbyallo]

what does being gay have to do with the message he’s trying to give out? people in the comments are so so rude and disrespectful.

[@iczeky]

Allyson S Exactly, what does being gay have to do with it? Why does he emphasize it? Why do we NEED to know?

[@bbyallo]

iczeky he literally only mentioned that he’s the founder of the first all-male and gay dancing company, he wasn’t parading around yapping about how gay he is. it’s the disgusting people in the comments who seems to think that a gay man shouldn’t have a TED talk.

[@eclipse5393]

his gayness is very confrontational

[@nofanfelani6924]

People are just stating their opinions about his looks, its not like they are rejecting his message,, hopefully they are not

[@thetruthhurts1293]

I suppose what people may be saying is that no one says they have a mudical company for heterosexuals only. How can u dertermine someone's s3xuality simply bcos they say so? His company may be considered s3xist. I enjoyed the performance but he is unnecessarily overtly camp!

[@ChiliCrisp88]

I’m Thai by heritage, but also really removed from it because I was born and raised in America with little Thai identity and community represented. This TED talk really helped me understand my own culture as our cultures are intertwined in many ways. It was insightful and so beautiful! Thank you! 🇹🇭 ❤️ 🇰🇭

[@nanyaseansgoodness4384]

This is beautiful.. Keep your culture still shining Cambodia.. Most country don't pay attention to what they have ... I'm from Myanmar. I love it.. Be proud with what you own..

[@oorjasaxena8990]

I am an Indian ( and also a Bharatnatyam dancer ) and I am moved by your story. I understand how tough it is to pull and revive culture. Even Bharatnyam went through a similar revival phase. I appreciate your efforts man. I hope you are sucessful in your journey !

[@liwaywaycelosa8784]

I used to work in Poipet Cambodia and my co-workers are Khmer. They show me how to dance like this but never understood what it means. Thank you for sharing the meaningful dance of your country.

[@evgenysumaev882]

He is a very sincere and brave person. Thanks to people like him, the world is getting better.

[@alexia9279]

I am a Cambodian mix thai I really proud to be a Cambodian and I really proud of my Cambodia culture,civilisation of Khmer nations ❤️🇰🇭

[@nimolyi1256]

Thank you for loving Khmer

[@mikewhocheeseharry5292]

Khmer goes back to such an ancient civilization that to this day, I still find it mysterious and fascinating. Did you know on the main Angkor Wat’s temple story wall carving is an elephant that has 4 tusks, 2 tusks on each of its side? According to scientists, elephants with 4 tusks existed over a million years ago. So... Ankor Wat has to be much other than 900 years ago like it’s claimed today.

[@artificiallyflavord5588]

I love how the crowd follows along. Interesting stuff.

[@infinite5795]

As a Hindu, I love and sympathize with your history, which is very similar to us. We were almost killed into extinction with numerous genocides and forcible conversions by the Portuguese and British but still we survived via our zeal for fighting. Odissi is the traditional dance from where I come from and it is the oldest traditional dance still continuing in the world, it bears many similarities with Khmer traditional dance. Greetings to Buddha and Khmers, Jaya Jagannatha:)

[@TM-hd5iv]

Thank you for the kind words.

[@AKA_PT18]

I'm from Cambodia 😘 We love our culture of Cambodia 🇰🇭

[@Davidsoul315]

My wife is Khmer, I love the way she did their dance.

[@pheakdey1999]

@Larry Rollins what kind of khmer tradition dance, has she did ?

[@Davidsoul315]

@@pheakdey1999 I'll ask her.

[@sophearun168gaming7]

The Royal Dancing or other? I'm Cambodian people

[@wip0111]

@@sophearun168gaming7 I think she dance Saravann or Romvong, because most of Khmer normal did not learned how to dance Royal Ballet dance, it so hard to learn.

[@reahsahpagel3354]

@@pheakdey1999 from an American Khmer dancer it’s probably robam, they do choun por (blessing dance) and robam coconut (coconut dance)

[@i.nsmile3768]

I am khmer and....where is my squad ?

[@VSOUR88]

Here i am !!!

[@linahol6067]

nov neak

[@miserylovecompany7556]

សុំចូលក្រុមផងបាត Let me join please

[@bexo7406]

khnhom !!

[@vinithkoko1612]

Here! Ahhhhhhhhhh,,!!!!,!,!!!

[@vincentkhang5264]

I'm Cambodian and my parents were involved in the war. I'm glad that they survived it all because you wouldn't be reading this comment if they didn't.

[@breadboyss]

Vincent Khang No derp

[@bexo7406]

Vincent Khang my thatha left with his family because my great grandparents were working for the german government i think idk some type of parliament i think

[@gcsusetyo]

I am blinking through tears watching this. I've never been to Cambodia but spent my childhood in Java and was taught a dance tradition very similar to this. I sucked and was bullied a lot for it, but if my teachers taught me this philosophy, maybe I would appreciated its beauty more and worked harder to embody it. The point he made about the Khmer Rouge is so powerful. And that Khmer word for "I = slave" may sound nothing like Indonesian/Malay, but our word "saya" is exactly the same. Derived from the archaic word "sahaya," it originally positioned the self as a slave in servitude of the counterpart. While modern Indonesian and Malay have moved on from this subservient connotation of "saya," knowing the roots of this word speaks volumes of the legacy of Indonesia's feudalistic traditions, which colonial powers exploited to their advantage. It's true that beauty is a liberation from suffering--bless the Khmers and all those healing this nation from the ashes of war. I love that the Khmer word for artist is magician--magic is indeed what Mr Promsodun Ok embody. Sending love and respect from Jakarta, and hope to see you dance someday 🙏

[@souldancersbyjennifer]

Ahh... Javanese dance is also another great SEA gem. So sorry to hear about your bullying. Interesting info about saya which I don't know about...

[@Sexbedhair]

Amazing ! Those flexed hands are memorizing, such a unique style and technique !

[@sengserey1764]

You guy deserve standing ovations. Your speech was an inspiration for the younger generations of Khmer arts. You delivered what wasn’t told or heard from the beauty of Khmer dance. You reminded the world that Khmer Rouge has massacred millions of our ancestors and those who were intelligent, talented, and skilled were targeted. What a tragedy to our poor nation. Thanks for delivering a very important speech

[@pguig22]

How is there 248 thumbs down? What could these people possibly be objecting to? I’m used to seeing that on politically themed talks, but this? It’s just a story and an explanation of an art form.

[@fugithegreat]

Patrick McGuigan Homophobes who can't see past this person's sexuality enough to actually listen and appreciate his words, which are actually quite beautiful and insightful.

[@pguig22]

fugithegreat I was hoping that wasn’t it. But I guess there’s no other reason. Unless it’s because he didn’t actually dance. I was expecting dancing.

[@fugithegreat]

Yeah I would have liked to see more dancing as well, but he did do quite a few dance moves throughout the talk. It is a talk, after all, and the dance moves certainly embellished his words.

[@iczeky]

fugithegreat No, it's certainly not only homophobia. Some people, like me, are annoyed by the path ted has taken, going away from topics of hard science, statistics and social issues on a larger scale. These people that talked little about themselves, their feelings or their own perceived bravery but about the issue at hand. That's where those dislikes come from. Sincerely, a bisexual man.

[@pguig22]

iczeky I liked the old TED better too. But that’s so far gone now that to still be thumbing videos down to make that point seems silly. I hear you though. I’m sick of being lectured by TED speakers as well. But I liked this one.

[@laraking804]

Never did I think you could make a TedTalk about this. I was totally captivated. This was simply amazing.

[@hanz2002coquilla]

This guy is just so beautiful

[@thidapon129]

Thank you for promoting khmer culture, i like your presentaion

[@hell0p1nky_69]

His ending message should bring peace worldwide...peace and love

[@dangeja]

I felt him, I felt his need, I felt his past and I cried! Thank you for your speach! I loved it!

[@josblack8606]

His joints are so flexible!!!! BEautiful Dance!!!

[@sunbunhan4822]

I'm late for this show but it make me more and more peaceful. I am proud of you guy that show our culture to the world. I saw the short clip on the Facebook and I am here to watch from the start until the end .love you guy 😍❤️❤️

[@SangapakThor]

ពិតជាល្អណាស់បងប្រុស🇰🇭❤️️

[@regqtillo4401]

Huge Respect to the rich culture of Cambodia ❤ Greetings from Philippines with love 💕

[@openfridi1138]

The most beautiful Ted talk I've watched

[@vieastman6774]

He is such an eloquent speaker teaching us all about Cambodia and the terrible adversities the people struggled to survive.

[@pinkmind168]

Thanks Mr Prumsodun Ok to bring our Khmer culture to show the world! We proud of you ☺️

[@blackpinklisa2148]

All religions, culture, and beliefs deserve the same amount of RESPECT, even if they are different from your own. Please learn to be polite, be humble, be respectful of others feelings.

[@ToraTheGoldenRetriever]

So poetic and beautiful and the meaning behind what each dance gestures stands for are just magical and gave me goosebumps!

[@khmerspirit3351]

That was so good. I've never thought there would be a best Khmer show in Tex talk before especially about Khmer dancing which you did so well articuting with a gesture. I give you an outstanding level of explanation I've ever watched🇰🇭🇰🇭🇰🇭🇰🇭

[@maemaex3]

Ive grown up doing Thai classical dancing and it is very similar! So its very interesting to see Khmer's classical dancing and its meaning 😍

[@hortsokun2012]

Soo amazing! Congratulation Prumsodun Ok!!! You are the soul of Cambodian Classical Dance

[@dariad5971]

For me it turned out to be a story about genocide, denial, death and destruction - and life that is stronger than all of that, about courage of numerous women and men, about art as magic and message. His orientation is a part of his own story, but his life is a part of the culture, ancestors' legacy and future. It's very important to see the difference between a slave and a conscious servant indeed, so thanks for this story!

[@kawanchiraguna4381]

All thumps up for him, his beautiful and educational speech. I am watching this from Bangkok Thailand. He is super.

[@tryshsturkenboom3797]

Wow. This is one of the most beautiful ted talks i've ever seen

[@olatrommio]

It's beautiful! Shame that I'm Thai which is the very neighbor country of Cambodia but not know about this at all(I like to throughly study art from all cultures )

[@hanzoking5703]

พุทธพงศ์ ตะเภาน้อย I'm khmer and we love and respect Thai

[@fancybutterfly6021]

I'm half Thai, Laotian, and Hmong. People would called me "Maa-Dao" meaning mix-hydrid child. Although, I'm more adapted to the Hmong Culture but then I am more interested in Thai and Laotian Culture. Cambodia, Thailand and Laos are absolutely Beautiful and Golden Countries with marvelous and spectacular cultures. The alluring accessories, clothes, and beauty of South East Asia is Magnificent!

[@miserylovecompany7556]

Don't worry, Khmer and Thai has a very similar culture. If you've known about the the Thai culture already, you'll have a better grasp on Khmer culture when you start studying it.

[@holyfatboi1016]

Appreciate it

[@sreykeosopheaktra312]

It's very beautiful and proud for you to say. I'm Khmer and I believe we have similar culture but just our thoughts are different from each other. It's very important for us to understand each other what is "ours" and what is "yours".

[@agvstixn]

So beautiful! I will love Southeast Asian traditional dances forever, will keep it in my heart and soul for the rest of my life. Cambodia is one of SEA's gem 🥹 When he demonstrates the curves, I fell in love. I hope the generations to come would appreciate this treasure, the intangible heritage of our ancestors. Love, from Indonesia ❤️

[@nicolebowman7354]

I came for the dance. I stayed for the speech. I became captivated.

[@ennamorgan9673]

#metoo :)

[@Denisellen]

So glad I happened upon this TED. It's important, and beautiful. One of the best I've seen.

[@zoickn]

So graceful the way he speaks.

[@nikot4410]

He is a happy person. He lives with a purpose in life. Everything is beautiful about him. Watching and listening to him I felt connected to his beautiful yet very tragic culture and people. I cried. I smiled. This world needs more people like him.

[@mikewhocheeseharry5292]

At first it’s difficult to see past his revealing costume, but his message and story is probably one of the best I’ve ever heard on TED.

[@MrToOodles]

His speech gave me goosebumps. Well thought out. Well presented. And well received.

[@thidakim8304]

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. For this beautiful presentation. I don't know if anyone could present the meanings behind the dance along with the dark history of Cambodia any more beautifully. Your presentation brought tears to my eyes every time. You're an inspiration, and may your beautiful heart and spirit be the aspirations that the new generations of Khmers could look up to. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

[@TheKongkealong]

I was here 2 years a go and i am still here today! I am very proud of you! Thank you bong for sharing such an emotional and touching history! Love you bong!

[@lauriejanes6511]

What a beautiful, powerful message! “ Beauty is the liberation of suffering.” Indeed. 💕💕💕

[@xKarmylla]

Loved this, thank you for sharing. Many times we forget beauty; we must remember it and allow it to bloom.

[@sekereterra]

In tears. This is beautiful.

[@SokhengLim]

That's a priceless speech. Thank you bringing Cambodian culture to the world.

[@sweetabby1106]

Gorgeous spirit, beautiful message.

[@Z_Pavel]

spirit of little girl )

[@PsoriasisChannel]

Awesome insight on a topic dance I never learned. Thank you so much for your work.

[@VannavannOu]

I'm Cambodian. I'm so proud of our dance art. It's so amazing for me Make me in some place that I never be it blew me away. The soft active is always show about khmer culture

[@bws5929]

So beautiful and he speaks fully from his heart. Thank you for sharing and educating us.

[@ArtistryRRene]

Such a Beautiful history lesson through dance!!!

[@onanadventure5855]

Such a beautiful, thoughtful, and emotional presentation!

[@ericanaynaynaynay8232]

So beautiful and powerful, you are a warrior poet. Thank you so much!

[@lajwantishahani1225]

Breathtakingly beautiful talk. Thank you for sharing this piece of Cambodia's history.

[@angelawang2625]

what a beautiful message. you and the Khmer culture are truly gifts to this world.

[@BachDevotee]

wonderful speech but why didn't we actually get to see him DANCE???

[@RisingPurpose9941]

Ok bye

[@blackdiamond4001]

Was his movements not enough?

[@littlemrpinkness295]

You're right though. I thought after that tutorial about the hand movements and their meaning, he would then dance. He did a few steps, but I wanted so much more. He was even dressed for it. That would have been incredible.

[@windasafriend]

Hahahaha, that's what I thought

[@Ricangelo]

You assumed dance comes with music.

[@sengbunmeang2825]

He is so inspiring. I have been watching and sharing this with many of my friends. He is so inspiring. A great Inspiration to me

[@thuhienson]

Thank you so much TED for the teachings of art, dance, culture, history, amazing philosophy, and for sharing the knowledge and LOVE. I can sense you have so much love and care of humanity in you. Bless your soul, my dear. Much love. God bless.

[@Elephantsss]

Thank you for explaining so well the meaning and movements of the dance , I have wondered what the hand movements meant for years!!

[@kthananan]

He is brilliant. Best Ted talk ever!!!

[@DuluthTW]

Wonderful art form. This was a very enlightening talk. Thanks!

[@koyajoon7037]

Such a beautiful soul. I’m so PROUD of you!

[@mng4893]

That is just pure enjoyment when seeing apsara dance being explained. Thank you

[@alicat7281]

This is really good. I enjoyed it, and learned something new.

[@filacaamspeter8810]

What a powerful presentation and confident! Love how you depicted the killed statistics of the Khmer Rouge genocide.

[@ujayet]

Gonna have to save this video..I think this is the most thoughtful explanation of this art I have ever seen.. I knew those dance had to gave some meanings behind it,, I just didn't know what.. finally I got my answer.. beautiful!!

[@justiceneeded01]

What a beautiful presentation!!! Informative and inspiring!!!! Really, really cool!!! Especially the hand gestures!! Thank you for taking the time to share this with the world 💞

[@YocAngkor]

I'm watching in 01 December, 2019

[@leeheang9784]

Me +01

[@user-uy1ou5mv2i]

Im watching in 05 December, 2019

[@LFT-zu7js]

12/13/2019

[@lauriejanes6511]

12/14/2019 💕

[@dawnchamling5710]

this was such a beautiful presentation

[@legustamala]

he is quite gracefull and beautifull with his presentation and movements.

[@thearax-man7912]

I am so amazed of how he could deliver a great speech like that..! So proud

[@shushuyu]

i did not know that..ted is always bringing knowledge that i had no clue about

[@mengseavmey3641]

Shuyu you can search it for it in any history book of Cambodia history...

[@AyuAyu-wm1xn]

The dance is sooo look a like with Indonesian Javanese and Melayu Dance. Maybe because we used to be Buddhist kingdoms.

[@varshaskumar8219]

All these dances originated in ancient India and were spread to these cultures through Buddhist and Hindu expansion. They have their roots in the natya Shastra, the ancient Indian treatise on dance.

[@AyuAyu-wm1xn]

@@varshaskumar8219 ah I see.. Nice info.

[@MyNameBaboo]

@@varshaskumar8219 What keywords do I search to find this dance in India?

[@varshaskumar8219]

You can check out odissi, bharatanatyam, sattriya, kuchipudi, classical dances of india, natyashastra.

[@keven9496]

@@varshaskumar8219 THanks for the info , yeah of course southeast Asia 's culture has its root in Indian Culture, the Odissi dance is really beautiful but the dance move, costumes and styles ... look totally different from indonesian or Cambodian Dance, but I do love it so much

[@purpose7122]

A big Thanks for bringing back to life the magic of the Cambodian art and history.

[@benpham9059]

Not sure why KZbin brought me here. Wish I could meet this guy in person. Amazing talk.

[@ceejay9641]

Me too Ben!