Chan-Phirath Farley (Beaverton) is a Khmer dancer and traditional wedding planner. A cofounder of the Cambodian Dance Troupe of Oregon, she instructs young dancers in folk and classical Khmer dance. Farley also organizes elaborate Cambodian wedding ceremonies.
Bio
Chan-Phirath Farley was born in Phnom Penh, Cambodia; when she was seven, she, along with her family, fled to Khao-I-Dang in Thailand. Because the Khmer Rouge targeted artists of all kinds, there were also a number of professional Khmer dancers in the refugee camps. They were among Farley’s first dance teachers and taught her both Khmer classical (court) and folk dances. Typically, the classical dances tell the stories of Buddha’s life cycle, while the folk dances enact daily activities of village life. When Farley’s family relocated to Oregon, she brought her passion for dance with her. In 1997, she and Sinon Him, a classically trained Cambodian dancer, founded the Cambodian Dance Troupe of Oregon. The troupe trains girls from age four through high school in Khmer classical and folk dances. Farley also operates a traditional Cambodian wedding planning business. Cambodian weddings are long and elaborate with five to ten distinct ritual ceremonies, each requiring a wardrobe change for the bride and groom. Because Farley already had most of the required skills—including dancing, sewing, and makeup and hair styling—a family friend encouraged and trained her as a wedding planner. Farley helps dress the bridal party and provides all of the objects, clothing, and materials needed to host the celebrations.
