Chap Chamroeun Tola, a staff member of the Ministry of Culture and Fine Art and a Royal Ballet dancer and instructor, gives Tan Solita some pointers on becoming a royal ballet dancer.

“It is difficult to become a Royal Ballet dancer since it requires many years of practice,” she says, adding that it takes about nine years to learn the basics. Tola started attending art school when she was just seven-years-old.

“Because she is now 21-year-old and wants to become a Royal Ballet dancer, she needs to spend much time practising,” she says, advising Solita to do so at least two hours a day.

The foundation of traditional dance is the hands, hip and legs, according to Tola, and they must be exercised so they become soft and flexible.

Chamroeun Tola would like to thanks to all young people who wish to learn Khmer traditional dances. Believing they are the ones to keep Khmer culture and tradition alive, adding that if they want to become a traditional dancer they need real passion.