BAM Affiliation In 2004, the Royal Ballet of Cambodia was proclaimed by UNESCO a “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity,” a designation Her Royal Highness Norodom Buppha Devi campaigned to secure. It was also the result of the efforts of Cambodia’s royal family to recover, document, and celebrate Cambodia’s artistic traditions in the post-Khmer Rouge period. The Royal Ballet of Cambodia is renowned for its interpretation of the centuries-old form of Cambodian classical dance, which was developed in the royal court; historically all roles, regardless of gender, have generally been danced by women.