Spirits of the clouds and water

Apsara dancers are found throughout Khmer culture. They are supernatural and beautiful women experts in the art of dancing and bas-reliefs of Apsara dancers are found at most Angkor temples.
The stone bas-reliefs of the temples in Angkor are covered with them. In fact, when you look at then carefully you will find 2 types:
– When they pictured dancing or getting ready to dance, they called Apsara
– If they are lined up and facing forward and not dancing then they are call Devata and are more akin to guardians of the temples.
Since visiting the Angkor temples I have always been fascinated by Apsaras and Devatas:
Apsara dancers on the temples of Angkor
Queens and Apsaras
So when the opportunity arose to see one of these dancers live in a remote temple around Siem Reap I jumped on it. It was a fascinating morning, seeing this woman transform from everyday beautiful lady to a stunning guardian of Angkor.
This young girl is part of a troupe of dancers working at Por Cuisine restaurant in Siem Reap. Should you make there, it’s well worth seeing!
I hope you enjoy the images below…








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