Angkor Dance Troupe Reimagines Swan Lake Through Cambodian Classical Dance in Lowell Production

From April 8 to 26, the Angkor Dance Troupe will unveil "A Khmer Swan Lake," a reinterpretation of Tchaikovsky's classic ballet through the lens of Cambodian classical dance, at the Merrimack Repertory Theatre in Lowell. Bora Chiemruom, the executive director and a refugee since 1987, aims to solidify the troupe's presence in the local arts community. Under Chiemruom's leadership, ADT has grown to include three staff members and 25 instructors, serving 150-200 students each year. Last fall, creative director Peter Veth and program director Chummeng Soun worked alongside Cambodian masters. Artistic director Phousita Huy blended Khmer traditions with Western ballet. The cast, with 97% born in the U.S., features key dancers Khana Desen, Victoria Ung, and Channa Sath, coinciding with Cambodian New Year and genocide remembrances.