Last night, Sokcheat Chiep demonstrated the delicate gestures of classical, Cambodian dancing for a group of female educators, specifically, the Beta Delta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, International. Sokcheat is affiliated with the Cambodian Cultural Center of North Carolina where girls and women of all ages learn to dance as their relatives have for generations. The Cambodian Cultural Center is located in Lexington on Highway 8, just southeast of I-85.

It is so nice for children to grow up knowing the language and culture of their ancestors. The Delta Kappa Gamma members really enjoyed trying to move their hands as gracefully as Sokcheat did. After the dance demonstration, her aunt, Vandy Chhum, explained to her DKG group that, historically, these dances were performed for the Royal family and didn’t get performed beyond the palace courtyard. Not living in a monarchy, Americans do not always remember protocol when royalty is involved. This still photo captures only one small example of the beautiful positions of the hands and feet.