07/28/2026
B**g Keo Thida
B**g Keo Thida began her training in Cambodian Royal Court Dance in 1989. She later served as an instructor of the tradition at the Royal University of Fine Arts in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, where she taught from 1998 to 2016 under the guidance of her respected teacher, the late Lok Yey Chea Samy.
From a young age, B**g Thida was immersed in Cambodia's rich artistic heritage. Her parents were both instructors of the traditional performing arts at the Royal University of Fine Arts, and her father, Malis Keo, served as the school's principal. As a child, she often accompanied her parents to the university, where she watched senior dancers train with remarkable grace, discipline, and precision. Inspired by what she witnessed, she began her own journey in the art of Robam Khmer as she grew older.
Within the tradition of Cambodian Classical Dance, performing the sacred Apsara Dance is a rare honour. Students are personally selected by Lok Yey Chea Samy, with only one dancer often chosen from a class of 50 to 60 students. An even greater distinction is the opportunity to perform at the Royal Palace, where dancers were personally selected by Her Royal Highness, the late Princess Bopha Devi.
Although B**g Thida was not selected for the prestigious central Apsara role or Royal Palace performances, her passion and dedication to preserving Cambodia's classical dance tradition never wavered. For nearly two decades, she devoted herself to teaching, mentoring students, and ensuring that this treasured cultural heritage would continue to flourish for future generations.
In 2016, B**g Thida made Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, her home. The Cambodian Association of Ottawa Valley (CAOV) is honoured to have welcomed her expertise and experience as part of its ongoing efforts to revive and preserve Khmer Classical Dance within the Ottawa Valley community.
Today, B**g Thida warmly invites children, youth, and adults who are interested in learning the beauty, discipline, and cultural significance of Robam Khmer to join her classes and become part of this living tradition.
Please register for the CAOV Cambodian Classical Dance Program using the following link:
https://forms.gle/qLonnAuMpZbhB3h66
Class Location:
Wat Ratanak Pratib
Every other Sunday, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Additional information regarding the class schedule and a small registration fee (which supports the temple) will be announced soon.
We look forward to welcoming you and sharing the beauty of Cambodia's classical dance heritage with the next generation.
Sincerely,
The CAOV Team
