“Sophiline is a shining example of a person who has overcome significant personal tragedy and risen to the top of her field,” said Congresswoman Richardson. “She has used her art of the beautiful Cambodian classical dance to make our community a better place, and I am honored to have her as a constituent. The National Endowment for the Arts could not have chosen a more deserving person for this fellowship.”

 

Shapiro, a Cambodian classical dancer and choreographer, began training in the 1,000-year-old art form in 1981, shortly after the Khmer Rouge was overthrown.  The Khmer Rouge was organized by Pol Pot and under his regime nearly two million Cambodians, including all intellectuals and skilled workers, are believed to have died by execution, famine, starvation and torture.  Her father and two brothers were among those who died. Under her uncle’s tutelage and efforts to rebuild Cambodia’s cultural heritage, Shapiro trained and danced with 110 other students in a school composed of classical and folk dance. 

 

In 2002, Shapiro and her husband, John, settled in Long Beach, home to the largest Cambodian population in the United States. Two years later, she co-founded the Khmer Arts Academy, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving the Cambodian classical dance style.  The Khmer Arts Center has 30 dedicated musicians and dancers who perform nearly 100 different dances. Students from the Khmer Arts Academy mesmerize audiences with their circular, stylized dance in numerous community-based celebrations such as Cambodian parades and Cambodian New Year celebrations. 

 

“It is with tremendous pride in her and our diverse community that I applaud her great accomplishments as a Cambodian classical dancer and choreographer,” Congresswoman Richardson added. “Sophiline has strengthened our Cambodian community in Long Beach and we are all grateful for the beautiful work that she shares through her performances and choreography. “