While we were dancing at the public park yesterday evening, two polices came and told us “No more music from today.” Our dance teacher asked “Why?” and “Till when?” the two polices keep silent and only said that they got order to do so. They came with no paper, nothing else, but words from their mouths. They said we can dance but not allow playing music. Excuse me, how do you dance without music?
Exercise through dancing has become very popular in Cambodia, both and Phnom Penh and other provinces. It is more than just dancing. It has been a community where people feel together. That place was where I feel all are welcome and treated equally. You can find all kinds of people dancing together and teach each other when needed. There are very rich people who come with their body guard, famous singer who wear mask on their faces so that people don’t recognize them, street kids who beg for living (they dance for free), a 11 years old girl who has just had heart operation, a 13 years old boy who have been dancing here for 2 years, a group of gays and lesbians, students who dance to refresh their mind, my family, and even a few years old cute girl who just enjoy dancing along with her mother. There are really many more who have stories behind and who need to dance. I met a 20 years old adult man who quit using drug when he joins this place. We have all kind of level dancers, from expert down to people who have just broken their comfort zone and learn dancing. There was when I feel myself the most. People become healthier physically and mentally.
If we are not allowed to play music, how could we dance? We do not against the government or city hall regulation; but at least you need to explain us why? This is a public park. Do you understand what does PUBLIC means? I thought we are the public. When I say “We”, it is not just my family. “WE” the dancers who are about at least four hundred people need this place, and MUSIC.
Direct order? From who? That sounds like an abuse of power. They should be able to give a reason. If I were you, I would do still do it. They are not going to win in front of a judge with such stupid and lame arguments as "direct order".
ReplyDeleteIf it is too loud than they should be able to measure the sound level and let you know. There are ways to solve the issue. But "direct order", that's plain stupid.
Is your park is the only place?
Yesterday evening (one day after this happen), we continue our dance. But just before we started, the polices came again and stop us. We had to remove all the equipment. We went to Sangkat Chaktomok to ask why? no good reasons still. Just said they got order.
ReplyDeleteWe are meeting Sangkat Chaktomok for the second time this morning at 10am. We still want to know why they close our music? If we still don't get proven letter of this decision and good explanation, we are going to meet the city hall. All the dancing students and instructors want our music back even if we have to reduce the time of dancing.
Will keep you updated on how things will go.
Nana
Update: Sangkat Chaktomok said they got order from Khann Don Penh. So now we are heading to Khann Don Penh.
ReplyDeletePersonally I think they just want money! :(
ReplyDelete