Cambodia forum

Yes, we have been to one as well. I liked the dances, very colourful and pretty. The dancers looked like "working" i.e. not really enjoying themselves in dancing. They let the audience come to the stage and be photographed with them. The venue was a big restaurant, long tables, no service, expensive drinks, only tourists. The food was OK, at least three buffet tables with food from different Asian countries.
As soon as the performance had finished, the people left, there was nothing to keep us there. I dont remember the name of the restaurant, but it doesn't matter, they are all the same. If you dont go, you wont miss anything. As Zaoyi said, too touristy.

The place we went to was probably the same place described by post #3. Was it touristy? Yes. Was it worth seeing? Yes. It would be a pity to travel all that way and not experience an Apsara show.

We went to the show upstairs at Temple Club. It's a fantastic restaurant and bar in itself and the free Aspara dance show didn't hurt. I personally enjoyed it - it's not something I could just sit there and watch but it was a good backdrop for dinner. The dancers were high professional (although yes, a little bored).

Was it touristy? I guess so. It's in a western joint amongst a whole strip of western joints situated in what is essentially travellers central. But I thought it was good value :) If nothing else, you can have a great dinner there.

Thanks lennybruce. You're welcome :)

Unfortunately as Siem Reap is a pure tourist town, all the Apsara shows are touristy, there is no getting away from it. As for the dancers looking bored, that is the style, they are not supposed to show emotion. I have been to 10 plus Apsara shows in various different locations around the country and the emotionless expression is always the same. Perhaps try to see a show performed by children, they are not so good at controlling their expressions and you can see they are enjoying it. Also some shows have some 'village' dances and these are more expression-ful. Saying all that, as you are in Cambodia you really should see at least one Apsara dance shom...