In Cambodian legend, monkeys always fight evil. This dance depicts monkey soldiers celebrating a big victory and gathering food for a feast.  It is a classic scene from the Reamker, Cambodia ’s version of the epic Indian Ramayana.  The dance is lively and acrobatic and is always performed by boys and young men and captures the spirit and quick mannerisms of monkeys. 

The dance started off with the some of the youngest members of the Angkor Dance Troupe.  The older veterans, lead by Sam Hor, stepped in near the end for some new dance moves that they created (which are modern but still keep the spirits of the Swva Pol – the monkeys).