"We should consider every day lost on which we have not danced at least once.”- Friedrich Nietzsche
Central School of Ballet Phnom Penh is the first ballet school to open in Cambodia. Established in 2012, CSBPP offers Classical Ballet training for children as well as Contemporary Dance, Adult Ballet and Dance Conditioning. CSBPP's goal is to provide the best possible dance training to people in Phnom Penh. CSBPP aims to offer all students support and advice, as well as ensuring students have a safe and friendly environment in which to pursue their passion for dance. Central School of Ballet Phnom Penh is not affiliated with any other dance school with the same or similar name.
The Facilities
CSBPP's facilities feature a spacious dance studio fully equipped with large mirrors, custom-made barres and a professionally installed triple-layer sprung, vinyl covered dance floor. This floor absorbs shocks and has the right amount of “give” to it. This prevents overuse injuries like shin splints and sprains which are common results of dancing on concrete, on hardwood floors, or even “floating” joists laid directly on concrete.
Stephen Bimson - Co-founder and Artistic DirectorStephen Bimson co-founded Central School of Ballet Phnom Penh and is the school's Artistic Director. He completed his formal training at the Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance in London where he trained in classical techniques of the Royal Academy of Dance, Bournonville and Russian schools as well as Cunningham and Graham contemporary techniques. Stephen went on to work internationally, teaching both disciplines in private dance schools and professional companies. He has several choreographic credits to his name including classical ballet, contemporary dance and musical theatre. Stephen believes that dancers are incredible individuals and aims to guide his students at Central School of Ballet Phnom Penh into versatile, individualistic artists able to collaborate and evolve fluidly in a fast-changing society.
Stephen’s life was transformed by dance and he recognises its potential to do the same for others. He has worked on community dance projects with the German Ministry of Culture as well as two large projects in Cambodia. He plans to develop further projects through CSBPP's outreach programme and will continue to make a difference in local communities.
Devi Vanhon - Co-founder and Business DirectorDevi Vanhon is the Business Director of Central School of Ballet Phnom Penh. She is half Swiss, half Cambodian and the granddaughter of Khmer Princess Norodom Thiek and the great-grandniece of former Cambodian Prime Minister Chau Sen Cocsal Chhum. An Economics graduate from the University of the State of New York, she brings years of experience running businesses. Most recently she was the general manager for a new radio station. Customer service is of the utmost importance to her. During her career in the media and entertainment industry she worked extensively with young people. She is dedicated to helping young people build confidence and positive self-esteem. She strongly believes that dance is a wonderful opportunity for children of all ages to acquire poise and grace and to feel confident in their abilities. Devi started dancing at 15 and quickly developed a passion for the disciplinary art of ballet. She trained intensively for two years at Chiang Mai Ballet in Northern Thailand before her move to a new location put a halt to her dance education. In 2011 she met Stephen, an event that rekindled her interest in dance. She brings her love of dance and her own experience in the dance school environment to her role as Business Director of Central School of Ballet Phnom Penh.
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