Royal Ballet of Cambodia Performs Tonight at the Byham Theater

Pittsburgh Cultural Trust announces the internationally renowned Royal Ballet of Cambodia will perform tonight, November 7, 2014, at 8:00 p.m. to the Byham Theater, 101 Sixth Street, downtown Pittsburgh. This performance is part of the Cohen & Grigsby Trust Present series.

"I look forward to welcoming the Royal Ballet of Cambodia to Pittsburgh for the first time to expose our audiences to the beauty and elegance of classical Cambodian dance," shared Paul Organisak, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust's Vice President of Programming and Executive Director of the Pittsburgh Dance Council. "This rare opportunity to see the authentic spectacular costumes, music and movement of this remarkable culture should not be missed. This company has done a brilliant job of preserving these traditional dances in a wonderful stage presentation."

Deemed "Sweet and seductive..." by The Dance Insider, the Royal Ballet of Cambodia has been recognized by UNESCO for carrying on the 1,000-year-old Khmer classical dance style, which was originally performed at royal events and ceremonies. Her Royal Highness Princess Norodom Buppha Devi serves as the company's choreographer. The gestures and poses of Khmer classical dance, mastered by the performers only after years of intensive training, evoke the gamut of human emotions, from fear and rage to love and joy. An orchestra accompanies the dance, and a female chorus provides a running commentary on the plot, highlighting the emotions mimed by the dancers, who were considered the kings' messengers to the gods and to the ancestors.

Tickets ($20-$45) are available at www.TrustArts.org, by calling 412-456-6666, or in person at Theater Square Box Office, 655 Penn Avenue. Groups of 10 or more call 412-471-6930 or visit online www.TrustArts.org/groupsales. Patrons are encouraged to visit TrustArts.org/Accessibility for full information on accessible accommodations, and use www.ParkPGH.org to find local parking availability.