Anders Jiras and the Mystic of Dance

by Anders Jiras

Author: Anders Jiras

For one decade now, Sweden-born photographer Anders Jiras explores all forms of Cambodian dancing, from the highly choreographed performances of the Royal Ballet to healing ceremonies in remote villages, from "lakhon khol" masked dancers to the avant-garde ballet scene.

A stunning, often mystical approach to this core element of the Khmer culture, Anders Jiras' collection of some 40,000 photographies is available here.

Tags: dance, photography, Khmer culture

About the Photographer

Anders Jiras

Born in Goteborg (Sweden), Anders Jiras was a successful commercial photographer in his hometown when he was invited to cover a South East Asian Dance Festival in Singapore, in the 2000s. After extensively traveling through the region, he decided to focus on Cambodia and settle in the Kingdom of Wonder.
His artistic sensibility and keen approach to the mystical aspect of dancing have granted him access to the Royal Ballet, exclusive ceremonies performed by the Sacred Dancers of Angkor or healing rituals in remote villages. Anders also follows closely the modern dance scene in Cambodia.