Sokvannara sar biography of donald
Sokvannara, familiarly known as Sy, was born in Cambodia and at age 16 was invited to train at the School of American Ballet in New York City....
Then 15 years old, Sokvannara “Sy” Sar performed a dance at Cambodia's famous Preah Kahn temple and caught Bass' eye.
Out of a temple in remote Cambodia, a world-class ballet dancer is discovered
By Ninette Cheng
Northwest Asian Weekly
Pacific Northwest Ballet dancer Sokvannara Sar leaps during his dance routine as shown in Anne Bass’ documentary, “Dancing Across Borders.” Photo provided by Pacific Northwest Ballet.
While visiting Cambodia in 2000, American arts patron Anne H.
Bass witnessed a rising star. Then 15 years old, Sokvannara “Sy” Sar performed a dance at Cambodia’s famous Preah Kahn temple and caught Bass’ eye.
Nine years later, Sar is a member of the Pacific Northwest Ballet Company, and Bass has documented his journey every step of the way.
On May 25, Sar’s story, in a film titled “Dancing Across Borders,” produced and directed by Bass, was showcased at the Seattle International Film Festival.
Sar’s journey began on the streets of Cambodia.
“I pretty much just followed my friends,” he said.
“I didn’t know what it was really. I just wanted to try [dancing] out.”
At the age o
