Our Programs
“Before dance came into my life, I don’t really remember having any major goals or dreams of wanting to be anything.”
Khmer Apsara Dance
Our Khmer Apsara dance training program offers a culturally rich experience that connects Khmer children with their heritage. Learning this traditional dance form not only preserves an integral aspect of Khmer culture but also instills a sense of pride and identity in the younger generation. Through Apsara dance, children develop grace, discipline, and an appreciation for their cultural roots. This training serves as a vital bridge between past traditions and future generations, fostering a deeper understanding and respect for Khmer cultural heritage.
We have also reworked our curriculum to incorporate learning about various facets of traditional Khmer culture, including architecture, theater, visual art, and music. This enriched curriculum offers several benefits:
Cultural Preservation: By studying these traditional aspects, students contribute to the preservation and promotion of Khmer cultural heritage.
Identity Formation: Learning about Khmer culture helps students develop a stronger sense of identity and connection to their roots.
Holistic Education: Incorporating diverse cultural subjects provides a well-rounded education that nurtures creativity, critical thinking, and appreciation for different forms of expression.
Cross-Cultural Understanding: Studying Khmer culture fosters empathy and understanding of cultural diversity, promoting global citizenship.
Creative Expression: Exploring various art forms encourages students to express themselves creatively and develop their artistic skills.
Community Engagement: Engaging with Khmer culture encourages students to participate in community events and celebrations, fostering a sense of belonging and pride in their heritage.
Classical Ballet
Sala Monkey Language and Arts School proudly stands as the first educational institution outside of Phnom Penh to introduce a ballet program in the rural provinces. This groundbreaking initiative was made possible by our first volunteer ballet teacher, Teacher Epononiné from France. The establishment of this program has presented an incredible opportunity for our girls, offering numerous benefits such as improved physical fitness, enhanced posture and coordination, increased self-discipline, and a boost in self-confidence. Moreover, learning ballet fosters creativity, expression, and appreciation for the arts. At Sala Monkey, we believe in the transformative power of arts education, and we are dedicated to providing enriching experiences for our students. We are always in need of volunteer ballet teachers who are passionate about sharing their expertise and making a positive impact in the lives of young dancers. Please contact us if you would like to volunteer!
Visual Arts - Drawing and painting
At Sala Monkey Language and Arts School, we are proud to offer comprehensive drawing and painting visual arts education for our students. This program is made possible through the expertise and generosity of Mary Volm, an expatriate from the US who has retired to Kep. As a professional artist specializing in painting and glass artistry, Mary not only provides our entire supply of art materials but she also conducts weekly instruction as a volunteer. Her dedication and passion for the arts enrich the learning experience for our students, fostering creativity, self-expression, and appreciation for visual aesthetics. We are immensely grateful for Mary's contribution to our school, and we thank her for her invaluable support in nurturing the artistic talents of our students.
Music Program
At Sala Monkey Language and Arts School, our students are currently immersed in music study, exploring the guitar, piano, and drums. Thanks to the program at MJC in Kampot, Cambodia, a French NGO school dedicated to education, our students receive free music lessons. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to MJC and Teacher Vith for their invaluable contribution in providing quality instruction and guidance to our students. Recognizing the value of this opportunity, we make the journey to Kampot province every Sunday for their enriching music sessions. Witnessing the positive impact of music on our students' lives, we are inspired to further develop and expand our music program here at Sala Monkey. We believe that music education not only cultivates musical skills but also fosters creativity, discipline, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts. Through our commitment to providing quality music instruction, we aim to empower our students to explore their passion for music and unlock their full potential.
English Language
Our English program offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes English, science, social studies, mathematics, and various other subjects. We strongly advocate for project-based learning. Furthermore, we provide instruction in public speaking and communication skills.
We aim for our students to not only achieve fluency in English but also to engage confidently and naturally in diverse topics.
