Traditional Arts Take the Stage ~ Shanty Town Spirit Ermine Norodom Association

Out on the dusty outskirts of Toul Kork is the very special Phnom Penh Secondary School of Fine Art. This government-run school teaches all aspects of Khmer traditional arts including classical dance, circus arts, pottery, painting, and music. Shanty Town Spirit was fortunate enough to visit on the day the circus students were showcasing their skills and talents as part of their yearly exams.

The deliacte art of balance & contortion

Juggling, uni-cycling contortion, acrobatics, trapeze and aerial hoop were on the agenda. These flexible performers wowed us with their aptitude and flair, as their peers in the audience applauded loudly with excitement. The outcomes of these assessments will determine if they continue with their current area of study or are redirected to another discipline.

Aerial Hoop presentation

Contortion remains a strong part of Circus Arts in Cambodia

Students from all around Cambodia attend this specialist school that is dedicated to preserving and passing on Khmer arts to the next generations. The school receives governmental funding and donor support from overseas from organisations like ACEDAK. Based in France, ACEDAK supports and values the critical function of the fine arts school in the ongoing transmission of Khmer cultural heritage and education .
ACEDAK has raised funds to resource the library and provide essential equipment such as paints and paint brushes, notebooks, clay and musical instruments for the teaching of fine arts as these are generally not provided by the school. They have also sponsored the repairs of key facilities such as the bathrooms and toilets, and provided free daily meals for some of the poorest students. Given the donor association is not able to visit Cambodia as often as they would like, Princess Ermine will act as the liaison for ACEDAK and visit the school periodically to provide updates on the school activities and needs.
Words by Jessica Sander