(July 2025) Keeping the Khmer Soul Alive: A Tribute to Cambodia’s Living Heritage
The Princess Buppha Devi Dance School, nestled in the heart of Phnom Penh, is more than a place of learning — it is a sanctuary where Khmer identity, grace, and dignity are lovingly preserved and passed down through generations. Founded in 2019 in memory of HRH Princess Norodom Buppha Devi, the school honours her extraordinary legacy and lifelong devotion to safeguarding Cambodia’s Royal Ballet — a cultural treasure that has survived wars, exile, and the darkest chapters of history.
A Sacred Mission
With deep reverence for tradition, the school is dedicated to protecting the spiritual heartbeat of Cambodia — the Royal Apsara Ballet. It offers free dance education to underprivileged youth while instilling values of humility, respect, and cultural pride. Here, dance is not just performance; it is prayer, history, and identity woven into every gesture.
A Legacy of Devotion
Each weekend, over 200 children gather to learn this sacred art, guided by master teachers and musicians who volunteer purely out of love for their culture. The school receives no government or royal funding; it survives on community passion, private donations, and modest event earnings. For many children, it is a sanctuary — a place where they belong, grow in confidence, and carry forward their ancestors’ legacy.
WCF Support for Royal Living Art
Through the WIG Community Fund, WCF supports dance uniforms and costume restoration — ensuring the Apsara continues to shine in the hearts and steps of the next generation.
