Modern Apsara Company

Founded by a disciple of masters, Sophiline Cheam Shapiro and Charya Burt, Reaksmey “Mea” Lath

The Modern Apsara Company bridges the modern world to the sacred art of Cambodian classical dance. Through captivating transcendent performances, intentional training, and interactive workshops, the Modern Apsara Company promotes intergenerational knowledge of cultural identity and advocates for professional development for artists.

gu·rU

noun: guru; plural noun: gurus

  1. (in Hinduism and Buddhism) a spiritual teacher, especially one who imparts initiation.

Cambodian dance is traditionally passed down from master to disciple. In Cambodian culture, we address our teachers as “Lok kru” for men or “Neak Kru” for women. “Kru” is derived from the Sanskrit word “guru”. To properly preserve the authenticity and integrity of this sacred art form, our Krus are committed to teaching and nurturing our students to achieve excellence and be their best.

Meet our MAC KRus

MAC Krus are our company’s principal dancers who also serve as teaching artists. Our Krus are Cambodian American women who have been trained with multiple dance masters and have performed in elevated spaces for a minimum of 10 years up to 30 years.


  • Founder & Artistic Director

    Neak Kru Mea is a professional Cambodian classical dancer and instructor based out of Southern California. As a refugee in an underserved community in Long Beach, she uses this sacred art form to connect to her Cambodian roots and empower her to continue the rich tradition through performing and teaching. Over the past 20 years, she has trained in the U.S. and Cambodia with master dancers and choreographers such as Sophiline Cheam Shapiro and Charya Burt. She also has had opportunities to train and take workshops with the Royal Ballet of Cambodia and Sophiline Arts Ensemble during her trips to the Kingdom of Cambodia. After being a student at Khmer Arts Academy, she went on to become the managing director and lead instructor and developed a modern approach to teaching the dance curriculum. Mea has performed in many prestigious spaces throughout the U.S. such as Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival and the Freer Gallery of Arts - Smithsonian Institute to showcase the beauty and resiliency of Cambodian culture. During the production of Walt Disney’s Animation Studios’ “Raya and the Last Dragon,” she took part as one of the cultural consultants.

    “I am beyond grateful to have gained the knowledge and experiences as a dancer. My passion is to bridge the diaspora and the rest of the world to Cambodian heritage and elevate the quality and integrity of the art.”

  • Advisor

    Neak Kru Malene grew up dancing under the tutelage of her mother, Chan Moly Sam, who is a former student from the University of Fine Arts in Cambodia, learning and performing both classical and folk dance. In addition to her mother, she has had many teachers and mentors, including Lok Yeay Chea Samy, Neak Kru Soth Somaly, Lok Kru Proeung Chhieng, Neak Kru Sophiline Cheam Shapiro, Neak Kru Charya Burt, and all the dance masters and teachers at RUFA in Phnom Penh. Her dance training was complemented by learning the basics and foundation of Pin Peat music from her dad, Dr. Sam-Ang Sam.

    Having the longest experience and vast knowledge, she serves an important role or advising our Krus even with her busy schedule of being a senior VP of one of the largest Fortune 500 companies.

    “It’s an honor to work with Modern Apsara Co. to continue to foster Cambodian-American talent and traditions, bringing this art form to new audiences while continuing to serve our own communities.”

  • Neak Kru Courtney has been dancing for almost two decades. Throughout her life, she has had multiple mentors and teachers. In chronological order, she has worked with Bong Julie, Bong Callie, Neak Kru Charya, Neak Kru Vy, Neak Kru Phanmay, Bong Prum, Bong Serey, Neak Kru Sophiline, Bong Mea, Bong Khannia, and Bong Malene. Each mentor/teacher has different knowledge, techniques, and guidance to offer.

    She honors her godmother, Ming Noy, for introducing her to classical dance. Other than her grandpa, dance is the only thing in this world that can make her feel truly at peace. Her mind is cleared, her heart is calm, and her body is numb to any pain/stress she may be feeling.

    Neak Kru Courtney is an alumnus of Cal State Long Beach and is one of the regional managers for a popular hip ice cream chain.

    “Dance is more than just storytelling and looking beautiful to an audience. It is like a form of meditation for me”

  • Alex has been dancing for 20 years. She first started under Neak Kru Sophiline at the now-closed, Khmer Arts Academy in Long Beach. Over the next couple of years, she had the opportunity to learn from many other teachers including Bong Julie, Neak Kru Charya, Neak Kru Phanmay, and Neak Kru Vy. Even though she learned a lot from the Neak Krus, a big part of her dance background comes from the older students that helped teach her along the way.

    The things that keep her inspired to dance the most are the people who love Khmer dance. Her mom is the sole reason why she started dancing at seven years old and her mom’s involvement in her practices and performances throughout the years still drives her to continue dancing.

    Alex is cur ently attending the University of Washington’s School of Pharmacy. While she is away from home, she continues to perform and represents MAC as our resident performer in the Seattle, Washington area.

    “Bong Mea is also inspiring to me because of her love and dedication to Khmer dance. If I can help her out in any way I will because the passion and dedication she has to continue sharing this art form is contagious and inspirational.”

  • Victoria has been dancing for over a decade. She has been taught by many dance masters and professionals, most recently by Neak Kru Mea Lath, Neak Kru Malene Sam, and Neak Kru Charya Burt. She was one of Neak Kru Mea’s first students and has grown to be an amazing role model. She is completing her undergraduate and graduated early from Cal State Fullerton in December 2023.

    “I think Khmer culture is very beautiful and I’m grateful to be part of it. Being surrounded by peers and mentors who also take joy and passion in dance keeps me inspired. “

  • Born and raised to Khmer refugee parents,  Chakra is an activist, artist, and educator. The Cambodian community in Chakra’s hometown, Long Beach, CA, helped develop his passion for the arts. He carries over ten years of Khmer Classical Dance training under Prumsodun Ok, Charya Burt, Sophiline Cheam Shapiro, and Reaksmey Mea Lath. Chakra has recently graduated with a BA in Dance in hopes of becoming a professional dancer who performs and choreographs work.

    “To carry on this legacy and art-form is such a privilege. I am honored I get to witness and plant seeds within the next generation who can in turn embrace their beautiful culture.”

Your kind contribution to the Modern Apsara Company helps to ensure that our POC woman-owned small business can continue to operate while offering affordable tuition prices to those who seek to connect with their cultural heritage through performing arts.

Please note that we are not a nonprofit but rather a new venture doing business for a social cause.

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