The Royal Ballet of Cambodia Troupe brought their centerpiece dance show to Beijing's Tianqiao Performing Arts Center over the weekend in celebration of the 60th anniversary of Sino-Cambodia diplomatic relations.

The troupe is hailed as a Cambodian national treasure. The royal dance of Cambodia has its ancient origin rooted in the glorious Angkor period between the 9th and 15th century. The dances are various rituals dedicated to the Gods. At the time, it was reserved only for the Cambodian royal court. Today, it is now widely enjoyed by the public.

The magnificent costumes and dignified and elegant poses are like striking replicas of the sculptures of Angkor Wat, brought to life on stage. In 2003, the dance was added into UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list.

Sam Sam Ang, a consultant at the Ministry of Culture and Arts of Cambodia, said, “Right now, the troupe performs for royalties, performs for official guests visiting the country, and we tour abroad as well as performing for the people of Cambodia.”

The Royal Ballet of Cambodia Troupe performed pieces that are deeply rooted in the country's ancient mythology. "Apsara Dance" depicts apsaras-producing flowers which symbolize love for the country's people and nation, while "Royal Ballet" and "Masked Dance" are actually taken from dance dramas. Together, they depict the renowned Cambodian legend about god Rama and his wife goddess Sita.

"Royal Ballet" tells the story Hanuman, the White Monkey, who is charged with the mission to rescue Sita after she has been abducted to the Island of Lanka. The "Masked Play" is about a battle between Rama and Ravana, and the happy reunion of Rama and Sita. These performers have brought their stories and heritages around the world.

Actress Chap Chamroeun Tola, who performed Sita's role in the show, said, “I've performed the role for many years. When the royal palace has a delegation, or when my country holds big events, I will perform it. My team tours around Europe as well.”

The troupe also sang Chinese and Cambodian folk songs and an original song composed and penned by the late King Norodom Sihanouk, who lived in China for many years.

The Royal Ballet of Cambodia Troupe has also been a testament to the friendship between China and Cambodia. The two countries established diplomatic relations in 1958. The troupe was invited by Premier Zhou Enlai for their first performance in China. Subsequently, the troupe came to perform in China many times between 1958 to 1970.

Princess Norodom Buppha Devi, the daughter of late King Norodom Sihanouk and the sister of the current King Norodom Sihamoni, a principal dancer of the troupe then, is leading the troupe to China this time.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Cambodia. Cambodia is also a country that is involved in China's Belt and Road Initiative. Scores of cultural exchange performances, exhibitions and fairs have been and will be held in both countries throughout the year. They're a supplementary to the strengthening trade ties between China and Cambodia, especially since Premier Li Keqiang's visit to Cambodia in January.