Sithy Yi at the Kampot Refugee Center, Thailand, 1981. Sithy is dressed to perform in the Wishing Dance, one of the first dances novices learn to perform. During the Khmer Rouge all forms of traditional dance and music, which were a central part of Cambodian life, were forbidden and performers were executed. It is estimated that 90% of all artists died during that time. The recreation of Cambodian music and dance was extremely important to the survivors. Music and dance troupes were formed in many of the refugee camps and children spent their days learning, practicing, and performing.
