Paris Exchange

In January 2016 Angkor Dance Troupe fundraised to send off 4 principal dance artists & the Master Artistic Dance Instructor, Phousita Huy, to travel internationally to Cambodia where they studied, trained, and performed a production all within 2 weeks. This exchange gave these artists not only a moment to travel across seas - but this allowed an international connection between artists all over. Even though we live thousands of miles apart from each other - we still share the same devotion to Cambodian Performing Arts. After the exchange to Cambodia, this allowed for us to train the youth here in America what we've learned with structure, history, and even to theatrical presence. From one student to the next, we've had the chance to mold the newest generation into our next big project.

4 years later, we have the privilege to be touring to Paris in January 2020. There are a mixture of students of all different levels that will be able to travel to another international exchange. 2 Master Dance Instructors, 10 Cambodian American artists , 1 goal.

Goal:
• Cultural Exchange
• Preservation & Innovation 
• Inspiration 

CULTURAL EXCHANGE
We will be sharing our story with the dance troupe, Selepak Khmer, on how we use contemporary strategies to be incorporated for performance here in the US. 

PRESERVATION & INNOVATION
As we face the new development in current day society, the troupe has to evolve and seek new innovation that carries our identity with history. As we progress in our exchange this will allow for us to see how eastern and western influences can create a powerful performance. 

INSPIRATION
Every artist that goes will have a platform to inspire the at risk youth here in our community. Violence, bullying, and silenced children in the US will have the opportunity to see their instructors face the international challenge of performing on a larger platform. Despite the struggle, we will persevere and aim for success and hope that every student in the future will follow our footsteps.


We will be training in Paris, France for 1 week and will be collaborating with the Cambodian dance troupe that is based there, Selepak Khmer. Together, we will perform a reinvented classical dance drama called Ramayana. This specific tale will be touching on subjects of loyalty, strategy, empathy, and unity. It will be an inaugural performance, considering it has not been premiered before. The group of dancers are volunteering their time to train and be a part of this cultural exchange and is raising money to help cover costs of airfare, food and transportation. With this opportunity, we hope to gain knowledge and inspiration from our new surroundings, and exchange with our peers the same passion we have developed for Cambodian ballet. 




Having to travel with such a large group of student we have developed a goal of $5,000. The $5,000 will help these students with their journey through the exchange. A handful of these artists are students in college where they are still looking for support. The money that is raised will benefit these students with proper housing, meal plans, travel expenses, and a chance to give back to the master instructors that have been through war to keep this art form alive. The money raised will go strictly to the exchange and it will give each student a chance to learn how to be responsible and held accountable as artists.

After planning months for this exchange, we have prepared not only ourselves but we have also trained intensely for this incredible opportunity. Despite the levels of experience we are working together as a family to help to strengthen one another. Every student taking part in this exchange all have their own specific reason why they are taking part in performing arts. 

OUR ARTISTS


Stephanie Seng, (neang) female character, "After performing with Angkor for over 21 years, I will be portraying one of the main roles Neang Seda. I am a principal dancer of Angkor. Although this will be my very first exchange I hope that this will inspire the youngest generation that no matter how long you perform you will always have a chance for growth. I am beyond excited, but nervous to represent Angkor on an international platform." 


Theresa Tha, (neang) female character, I've been dancing for two years with Angkor and I will be embarking on the role of the giant for Paris. The role of the giant is completely new to me - originally I trained in the female role, so for Master teacher Phousita Huy to select me is an honor & hope that this will give me new insight to learn multiple roles. 



Roselynn Soung, (neang) female character, "With this exchange I hope to get a stronger view on Cambodian Ballet. Even though I've been with Angkor for 5 years, I'm excited to share the same passion with other students in Paris. I will cherish this knowledge that I will be learning and I hope I can inspire those to have that same drive. 

Virginia Prak, Neang & Nerong (Female & Male character)  "Throughout my 18 years of dedication and experience, my growth as a dancer has been remarkable. I am a principal dancer, instructor and current board member of the dance troupe. Being a Cambodian American, dance has allowed me to be culturally aware of the arts and to connect with the Cambodian diaspora. In the upcoming collaboration with the Angkor Dance Troupe and Selepak Khmer, Ramayana, I will be performing as the male character Preah Lek. This opportunity for us to perform and collaborate with Selepak Khmer, the Cambodian dance troupe based in Paris, is substantial to the impact it will make on us as a group and most importantly the youth. It allows them to be inspired about the opportunities Cambodian dance can bring and encourages determination and hard work. We can also be an example of peace, that with passion and love for something, it can bring people together no matter where you live in the world."

Peter Chea, (monkey) Originally I joined Angkor because I wanted to understand not only just the culture much more, but I wanted to know where my family came from. At the middle school where Angkor does their annual youth residency - I asked Chummeng Soun more information about what else can I do with Angkor. After intense training and endless interest in the program - 8 years later I have the chance to be portraying Hanuman where I will be leading the monkey army through battle. I hope this chance will allow for the road to progression for dance. My goal for this exchange is to bring back everything that I will learn to strengthen and innovate the students here in America



Kristina Heng, a graduate of University of Southern Maine. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania but moved to Portland, Me at a young age. Kristina started dancing at the age of 11 with a small organization in the Portland area under the guidance of Master Teacher of Classical Dance, Sokhoeun Sok. Kristina had been dancing for many years until she had entered college in the fall of 2012. Dance was put to a halt. After finishing school, she had realized that she had the desire to continue dancing. With passion, drive and commitment, Kristina travels hours to be taught by master teachers of and Angkor Dance Troupe and to dances along side such amazing and inspirational principal dancers. She is driven and warmly welcomed by her colleges. Kristina plays the male role in classical dance but participates in both classical and folk dances. She is grateful to have met such a wonderful family that has welcomed her with opened arms. She is thankful to have the opportunity to build on her knowledge and techniques in Paris. Kristina has pride in who she is and what she does as an artist. 

 
 
 


Every individual taking part will needs your help to help us get to our goal! After being apart of Angkor for such a long period of time we finally have the chance to go together as huge family. We hope everyone will be helping us through this process and stay connected through facebook, instagram, and our website to learn complete information through our journey. 


Thank you again! 

Cheymony Fennell
Virginia Prak
Chummeng Soun 
Peter Chea
Roselynn Soung
Kristina Heng
Stephanie Seng
Theresa Tha