Cambodia’s first gay apsara dance troupe upends ancient tradition

Cambodia’s first all-male gay dance troupe has overturned the Kingdom’s ancient tradition by performing a classical apsara dance, traditionally performed by women, dating back to the 7th century - to mixed reactions.

In 2016, the group, named Prumsodun Ok & Natyarasa, made its debut at the Department of Performing Art in Phnom Penh to a packed audience who came to see their apsara performance. In Hindu culture, an apsara is a female spirit of the clouds and water.