In line with Hindu mythology, apsaras are beautiful, supernatural female beings. They are youthful and elegant, and superb in the art of dancing. They are often wives of the Gandharvas, the court musicians of Indra. They dance to the music made by the Gandharvas, usually in the palaces of the gods, entertain and sometimes seduce gods and men. As ethereal beings who inhabit the skies, and are often depicted taking flight, or at service of a god, they may be compared to angels.

Apsaras are said to be able to change their shape at will, and rule over the fortunes of gaming and gambling. Apsaras are sometimes compared to the muses of ancient Greece, with each of the 26 Apsaras at Indra's court representing a distinct aspect of the performing arts. They are associated with fertility rites. The Bhagavata Purana also states that the apsaras were born from Kashyapa and Muni. Since the spirits are meant to entrap mortals with their beauty, the dance moves reflect this idea and include slow-paced, mesmerising moves that hypnotize audiences.

The main traits of the dance are the hand gestures, and more than 1,500 exist. Each movement of the fingers has its own distinct meaning, from worshiping the spirits of nature by depicting a flower in bloom to referencing one of the hundreds of Buddhist and Hindu legends.

The dance is so complex that girls start training from a young age to ensure they gain the flexibility that is needed in their hands and feet to carry out the graceful and intricate moves, which make it look like the women are floating on clouds.

Apsaras are identified by their elaborate costume, which is comprised of elegant silk clothing, stunning jewelled headdresses and precious necklaces, earrings, bracelets and anklets.

The tradition has also inspired a string of contemporary versions, with Sophiline Cheam Shapiro championing the traditional dance, while modernising it to fit in with the 21st century. The troupe perform across the world, with several performances put on in Cambodia.

According to www.theculturetrip.com