Cambodia on November 7 marked the 23rd anniversary of UNESCO’s recognition of the Royal Ballet of Cambodia as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

In a Facebook post, Prime Minister Hun Manet said, “Protecting and preserving our cultural heritage is the responsibility of every Khmer citizen.”

The Royal Ballet of Cambodia, also known as Khmer Classical Dance, was originally proclaimed a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO on November 7, 2003, before being incorporated into the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008.

Renowned for its graceful hand gestures and elaborate costumes, the Royal Ballet has been closely associated with the Khmer royal court for more than a thousand years. Traditionally, performances accompanied royal ceremonies and occasions such as coronations, marriages, funerals and Khmer festivals.

With its sacred and symbolic significance, the dance embodies traditional values of refinement, respect and spirituality. Its repertoire preserves and perpetuates legends associated with the origins of the Khmer people.