If you haven’t already heard of SOK Dina, then prepare to be amazed. Dina is the first performer from Cambodia to join Cirque du Soliel in Montreal, Canada. Dina is also a circus alumnus from Phare Performing Arts School.
From 2005 to 2011, Dina – and his friend and Phare classmate Sopha – were filmed as part of the documentary Cirque du Cambodia that chronicled their journey from hopeful schoolboys in Battambang, Cambodia all the way to École nationale de cirque (National Circus School) and then to becoming the first Cambodian performers at Cirque du Soleil. Watch the trailer (or full film) online here.
As part of The 30th anniversary of Phare Ponleu Selpak, we invited Dina to share a bit more about his life story with the Phare community – from his humble origins in Battambang to his rise to fame at Cirque du Soleil – and of course, his fond memories of Phare.
Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Sok Dina. Right now, I am 28 years old. My hometown is Battambang; however, I presently reside in Canada because of my job there as a performer in Cirque du Soleil.
Can you share about your experience before you become a professional circus performer?
In 2005, when I was just nine years old, I began studying as a circus student at Phare Performing Arts School. Then in 2011, when I was 16 years old, my friend Sopha and I got the opportunity to study abroad at (National Circus School), located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
We only got the chance through much support from Phare Ponleu Selpak and other Phare donors. The National Circus School offered us two years of learning, then after seeing our potential abilities in the circus, they provided two years more to continue our studies until 2017.
How Do You Get Hired by Cirque du Soleil?
After I graduated in 2017, I got hired by Cirque du Soleil directly because of the close relationship between École Nationale de Cirque and Cirque du Soleil. Also, the one who took me to work at Cirque du Soleil was my also circus teacher.
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
I faced difficulties with language, meals, and weather. Language is one of my major challenges, particularly in communicating. I encountered it from the first time I came to study in Canada until I became an artist. When it comes to food, I find it difficult to eat in Montreal since the flavors differ from Cambodian cuisine. Last but not least is the weather. It is so cold in Canada and when it snows, it’s difficult for me to ride my bike to school or work since it’s so slippery.
What are your thoughts on this incredible change in your life?
I feel so proud of myself as one of the first Cambodians to join the world’s biggest circus company. It is not easy to join this type of company like Cirque du Soleil.
What does Phare Ponleu Selpak mean to you?
Phare is my Home. Phare is the place that helped me grow. If I didn’t have Phare’s support, I wouldn’t be who I am today. Phare has always supported me – and other disadvantaged children like me – since I was young.
What do you think of first when you think about Phare?
For me, Phare is a wonderful multi-discipline art school supporting children and young adults.
How has Phare helped you change your life?
By giving me access to their top-notch arts education and opportunities, Phare transformed my life from a boy with no idea what he wanted to do with his life to a successful artist.
What is your favorite memory of studying at Phare?
My favorite memory of studying at Phare is when I was young, I remember that my teacher from Phare Kindergarten really helped take care of me. Another favorite memory of mine is when my friends and I were so excited to perform on stage in another province, that we couldn’t sleep and hoped for the following morning to arrive quickly so we could go on the bus and then perform later that day.
If you had to introduce Phare to someone new, what would you describe about it?
I also introduced Phare to my friends who mostly travel by letting them know that this school has multiple arts education and activities. So, when my friends come to this school, they experience those wonderful activities through Phare’s campus tours or doing Phare arts workshop with Phare.
Is there anything else you would like to add or say?
“Continue to pursue your dreams and do what you love.”
Try your hardest and you will be given the best opportunity, just like me. When you can do what you enjoy and know what you’re doing, you’ll get exactly what you want. I will continue to help Phare by promoting the organization across the world.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed this interview with SOK Dina, one of our most famous circus alumni from Phare Ponleu Selpak. Dina and Sopha serve as a strong inspiration to our circus students today, and we hope in the 30 years to come that each one of them can achieve similar success.
Contribute to Phare Ponleu Selpak and change the lives of Cambodian children and youth through the power of the arts.
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