ROCKLAND — Khmer Maine Dance Co., a youth performance ensemble dedicated to preserving and sharing the art of classical Cambodian dance, will bring a family-friendly performance to the Safe Harbor Gazebo, 60 Ocean St., in Rockland, on Wednesday, July 8, at 10:30 a.m. As part of the Strand Theatre’s Family Sunshine Series, admission is on a $0-20 sliding scale.  

Under the guidance of Neakru (“master teacher”) Sokhoeun Sok, a Cambodian refugee who has devoted herself to passing Cambodian dance traditions to a new generation, young dancers ages 12–18 train in the graceful, centuries-old movements of Khmer classical and folk dance.

"Every performance carries forward the resilience, beauty, and cultural pride of the Cambodian diaspora in New England," said a Strand Theatre news release.

The ensemble has performed at cultural festivals, civic celebrations, museums, and community gatherings across southern Maine.  

The Strand’s “Sunshine Series” presents outdoor performances for kids and families and takes place at the Safe Harbor Gazebo in Rockland. Featuring line-ups of puppet shows, musical guests, and cultural activities, this series is open to all ages and admission is on a Sliding Scale ($0-20).

The performances are brought to you by event sponsors Safe Harbor Gazebo, First National Bank, Allen Insurance and Financial, Penobscot Bay YMCA at Rockland Harbor, Rockland Rotary, Rockland Harbor Hotel, Mattina R. Proctor Foundation, and Morton Kelly Charitable Trust. 

The length of this show is approximately 45 minutes.

Tickets are available online at RocklandStrand.com, or by calling the box office at (207) 594-0070. Advance purchase is recommended; if tickets remain, they will be available at the Safe Harbor Gazebo starting 30 minutes prior to the performance.

In case of inclement weather, this show will take place at the Strand Theatre.

For more information, visit www.RocklandStrand.com. 

The Strand Theatre is located at 345 Main Street, Rockland.

Khmer Maine is a nonpartisan, community organization working to improve the quality of life and the social and economic well-being of Cambodians in Maine through cultural exchange, community building and civic engagement. Khmer Maine also partners to support members of Maine’s Southeast Asian and Pacific Islander communities and strives for solidarity with Black and Indigenous communities in Maine. Khmer Maine is dedicated to preserving, passing on, and raising awareness about Khmer dance, music, culture, and art forms. For more information, visit Khmer Maine’s website at https://khmermaine.org/.