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Robam Chhai Yam

Chhai Yam is a popular, traditional dnce featuring drummers and comic, even flirtatious dancers. The dance is known for its improvised call and response singing, the clap of hands and cymbals or wooden clackers. 'the dancers may wear comic masks, or paint their faces.

Chhai Yam music is usually performed at the head of processions to and through Buddhist complexes on ceremonial occasions, such as the marking of the monk's rainy season retreat, and other religious ceremonies such as Bon Kak Then, Bon Pkar, Bon Bm Bus Nea, etc. Helping to crete a happy feeling of joy and togetherness, Chhai Yam is a popular ritual folk dance that is performed frequently in both the countryside and the cities today. Historical dancers are remembered such as Mr. Hul Cheng, Mr. Chap Siemg, Mr. Kong Chheng Orn and Yeay Kum.

www.mcfa.gov.kh / PERFORMING ARTS / Folk Dance
"Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Cambodia", Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts and UNESCO, Cambodia 2004, #38, p. 50

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