Sithy Yi in Apsara Dancer’s Pose Sithy Yi holds a flower and kneels in the traditional Apsara dancer’s pose. This photo was taken at Kamput Refugee Camp between January and February 1981, shortly before the family’s departure for the Philippine processing center, their last stop before resettlement.
Dancer in Kamput Refugee Camp In the refugee camps, obtaining the materials necessary for creating traditional dance costumes was challenging. However, Cambodians managed to resourcefully piece together what they needed to revive their cultural traditions within the camps. In this photo, Jennifer Diep proudly poses in the dress for the Robam Tep Monorom Dance or Happiness Dance of the Gods/Goddesses. This dance is considered one of the most beautiful in the classical repertoire. The picture was taken at Kamput Refugee Camp between January and February 1981, just before the family’s departure for the Philippine processing center, their final stop before resettlement.
The Fishing Dance Sithy Yi (right), sits on an Ang Rut, a bell-shaped bamboo fishing trap, while Chheansreng Ngiv, hands her a flower. This duet version of the folk dance, Robam Nesat (Fishing Dance), was part of revitalization dance at the Kamput Refugee Camp between January and February 1981.
Dancer in Khao-I-Dang Refugee Camp This picture was taken in Khao-I-Dang, a refugee camp along the Thai-Cambodian border. The young woman was a part of the effort by Cambodians to revitalize traditional dance and other cultural practices in the camps.
Young Cambodian Dancer in a Refugee Camp This picture was taken in Khao-I-Dang, a refugee camp along the Thai-Cambodian border. The young woman was a part of the effort by Cambodians to revitalize traditional dance and other cultural practices in the camps.
Sisters at Kamput Refugee Camp Sithea San (left) and Sithy Yi (right), sisters, are pictured in traditional Cambodian dress at the Kamput Refugee Camp in 1981.