Rachana Performing Arts

our teacher Lok Kru Chanveasna Hong

Wat Trai Rattanaram was established in 1999 in Riverdale, Georgia—a core memory of mine as a pre-teen. We would drive to the east side of Atlanta for years to the temple. Having one so close to home was a huge life changing experience I guess I hadn’t considered until just now. The tiny plot of land was next door to my elementary school and in front of one of my childhood best friend’s home. The temple was so small that they held dance practice down the street, next door to my uncle and aunts house. I attended one or two times before I became discouraged. I never went back due to lack of traditional upbringing and my language barrier. Fast forward to present day, Chanveasna (Anthony) leads the Rachana Performing Arts Program at the Wat. His master teacher is Neak Kru Phousita Huy from Angkor Dance Troupe. He credits others that he has learned from as well— Neak Kru Yim Devi, Neak Kru Sophiline Cheam Shapiro, Neak Kru Ouk Solichumnith, Peter Veth and most recently Professor Ros Yaran (Neak Kru Thul). Some 25-years-later, here I am observing Selepak Rachana practice on a harsh winter’s Sunday. Witnessing our youth learning under their young, passionate teacher had my heart fill up with warmth and the same desire I had to learn many years ago. So I ask him half-jokingly “do you teach adults?” And we began to half-seriously discuss ideas on gathering 3-5 more of my friends to start a class. A means to both preserve our culture and heal the inner child. Because it’s never too late to do either of the two.

Selepak Rachana is enrolling for 2026. Practice starts this Sunday! Enroll today!

Miss. Sokchea Som dancing the Blessing Dance

Our Prima Ballerina, Samantha Tran leading our dancers in the Blessing Dance

one of our Senior Instructors, Vantida Chan, performing at Wat Trairatanaram for their Annual Katin Ceremony

Come join us this weekend!!

Congratulations to Master Teacher Lok Kru Sochietah Ung on being named a NEA National Heritage Fellow for 2024!
Lok Kru's expertise in Dance, Costume-Making, and Crown Making has left an indelible mark in the DMV Area.

Rachana Performing Arts is honored to have Lok Kru as a Guest Master Teacher, and we express gratitude for his invaluable contributions to the preservation of Cambodian Arts.
Lok Kru's mentorship has been instrumental in shaping the skills of our Teacher, Chanveasna Hong, and he stands as a steadfast pillar of Cambodian Heritage in the United States. Well-deserved, Lok Kru!

Rachana Performing Arts in collaboration with and
thank you so much b**g , b**g and oun for having me dance with you all!!