Chhayam is a traditional Cambodian folk dance performed at public festivals and celebrations. The choreography may include jumps, spins, and dynamic poses as seen in this photo. Chay Oum (65 years old in center) gets into the spirit at the Cambodian New Year festivities at El Dorado Park in 1992, Year of the Monkey. (The Long Beach Press-Telegram, 4/12/1992)
The dancers pictured perform a choreographed scene where the couples flirt with each other, clicking their coconut shells together in rhythm. This photo is taken in an auditorium at Millikan High School in Long Beach, California. (The Long Beach Press-Telegram. Photo take on October 5, 1986. Photographer: Bruce Chambers)
Young Cambodian women and men perform the Coconut Dance at the Golden Sails Hotel in Long Beach on Pacific Coast Highway to commemorate Cambodian New Year. (The Long Beach Press-Telegram, April 14, 1985. Photographer: Kent Henderson)
Members of the California State University, Long Beach United Cambodian Student Association perform a traditional courtship dance called, The Coconut Dance. In the background are the assembled dignitaries. Long Beach Mayor Ernie Kell, the guest of honor, gave a speech at the event. Performed at the dedication of Wat Willow.
This photograph from 1982 or 1983 shows the dance troupe of the United Cambodian Community (UCC) performing a Cambodian folk dance, the “Fishing Dance.” The baskets are fish traps used in the rural areas of Cambodia. The troupe performed all over southern California.
