On Sunday, October 29th, 2017 CAGE hosted it's first Khmer Dance Master Class taught by Lanica.  The three hour all-levels intensive provided participants with the opportunity to dive head first into Khmer dance.  Each Master class in October, November, and December starts with CAGE's stretching ritual.  Each participant is welcomed to join the class on the floor and to go through the traditional Khmer stretches.  Stretches, movements, and motions were explained in detail.  Purpose and technique were major parts of the learning process in each Master Class.

During the Master Classes, participants were able to learn the beginning stanza of an "advanced" dance called Tep Menorom.  This dance is Lanica's favorite dance, and the classes focused on the differences between the male and female role.  Conversations about gender roles and stereotypes were sparked when noting the differences in purpose and technique of the male and female roles.

See below for photos from the Master Classes or attend one in the near future!  Classes resume February 2018.  Follow us on Facebook or Instagram for more information!

On Sunday, August 27th, 2017 CAGE hosted a Khmer Fashion Party and Free Photo Shoot for the community.  The purpose of the event was to showcase CAGE's summer intern's research and work.  The party included a gallery of Khmer clothes and textiles, refreshments, drinks sponsored by Boba & Company, and a free photo shoot.  The community was welcomed to join the party dressed in their favorite traditional and/or cultural clothes and to celebrate their cultures and identities with a party and photo shoot.  Thank you to everyone who was able to join us!  We hope you had a great time and we look forward to seeing everyone at our next event.

A reflection from Vanaly Lamang, CAGE Summer Intern 2017:  "The Khmer Fashion Party was a success for me.  It was so great to spend time with the team and some people that came to the party.  A little sad that all the peple that were supposed to come, didn't.  It wasn't really focused on fashion but it was a good time with people, children, family, etc.  Smile, playing games, meeting new people: worth it.  Proud of the party!  I hope to be better next time."

Note: our photos have only been edited to adjust lighting.  We do not edit out blemishes or other "imperfections."  If you would like your photo to be edited more or to download the original file, please email us: cage@cagempowering.org

See below for photos from the event:

On Wednesday, July 12, 2017, CAGE, Laos in the House, and Philadelphia Suns came together with past and present AMF Philly grantees to celebrate each other and the work that we do within our communities.  This year's grant cycle's theme is "Visibility & Empowerment."  

Thank you to #AMFPhilly for such a great event and opportunity and to those who donated/voted. Special shout out and congrats to our fellow grantees, Laos In The House and Philadelphia Suns.  THANK YOU to everyone who has been on this journey with us. We are so appreciative of all of the support, encouragement, kind words, and wisdom.  We're looking forward to continuing the work and growing with this grant. Arkun everyone!

Learn more about Asian Mosaic Fun here: www.amfphilly.org

​See below for photos from the event.  Captions include description and photo credit.

    On Wednesday, April 19th, CAGE Members (Linda, Dyliyah, and Seleena) performed Robam Choun Por five times for the different class rooms of Francis Scott Key Elementary School in South Philadephia.  Dyliyah spoke to each grade level about Khmer dance and the meaning of Robam Choun Por.  Seleena was the lead dancer for each of the performances.  Thank you, Principal Cheung for having us!

On Sunday, May 14th, 2017, we had the honor to perform for our South Philadelphia Khmer community.  The 5th Annual Cambodian New Years Block Party was held on South 7th Street.  It was organized by local community members and sponsored by many local businesses.  We are always so appreciative to have the opportunity to share our part of Khmer culture with the community, and so honored when we can do that on such a beautiful day.  
CAGE performed Robam Choun Por and Robam Neary Chea Chour.  Performers included Dyliyah, Cynthia, Alina, and newest CAGE member: Danyca.  More on Danyca and her introduction to CAGE in a future blog post.
​See below for photos from the event.  Captions include description and photo credit.

On Thursday, April 13, 2017, CAGE member Alina performed Robam Neary Chea Chour for the Philadelphia Chapter of the National Organization for Women's Annual Spring Fundraiser.  The event took place on the third floor of Asian Arts Initiative.  We were so honored to be in a room that was filled with inspiring women and the people that support them. 

​See below for photos from the event.  Captions include description and photo credit.

Lanica, founder of CAGE, was given a Citation of Honor and Recognition by the City Council of Philadelphia on Saturday, April 8th, 2017 alongside other Cambodian American movers and shakers in the city.  The citation is received with great appreciation and gratitude for the commissioners and council people who made it happen.  

See below for photos of everyone who was given a Citation:

     CAGE put in some WORK this past New Year's celebration with the Cambodian Association of Greater Philadelphia (our fiscal sponsor!).  CAGP's 38th Annual Cambodian New Year Celebration was on Saturday, April 8th, 2017.  It was located at the Hilton Hotel in South Philadelphia, just off of Columbus Blvd.
       ​CAGE members Linda and Lanica spent the afternoon and majority of the evening in the dressing room getting all of the dancers dressed and ready to go for their big night.  CAGP's Annual Cambodian New Year Celebration is the culminating event for CAGP's Culture & Language Program.  Dyliyah, a CAGE member, is the dance instructor at CAGP's Culture & Language Program.  She spent the year teaching and coordinating the program with the help of volunteers and other CAGP staff.  Every April, all of CAGP's dancers are given the opportunity to perform in front of a large audience and show off what they learned throughout the year.  In addition, CAGE members, Cynthia and Dyliyah, performed Robam Tep Menorom for the banquet audience.  Performances by CAGP's Culture & Language Program included: Robam Choun Por, Robam Tivea Propei, Robam Neary Chea Chour, and Khmer Social Dance.  Shout out to all of the performers and volunteers who made the night a success!

See below for photos of CAGE from CAGP's 38th Annual Cambodian New Year Celebration (captions provide photo credit).