The Khmer classical ‘Apsara Dance’ and its costume have not plagiarised its Thai counterpart’s. In fact, it’s the other way round.
In the late 15th century, the ancient Thai kingdom of Ayutthaya had sacked Angkor, seizing its artisans and dancers, only to later ironically return the stolen art form to its rightful owner – Cambodia.
The art suffered its second great loss during the Khmer rouge oppression with 90 percent of all Cambodian classical artists massacred between 1975 and 1979.
The fate of this art is truly as delicate as its mesmerising hand gestures.