Meet Virginia Prak

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Virginia Prak a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Virginia, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

After losing my job in 2020 due to COVID-19, I wanted to make a drastic change in my life. Around that time, I found out that a couple of friends had moved out to Honolulu, Hawaii for a few months and had an extra room to rent out. I decided that this was my chance to make that change and moved halfway across the globe in 2021. Fast forward to today, it was one of the best decisions I have made in my life. I realized that by stepping out of my comfort zone and environment, I was able to find myself and my purpose by navigating through challenges, meeting new people, connecting with a new community, and discovering new things. With those findings, I was able to get in tune with myself and discover my talents and abilities. I realized that the path was there for me all along, and all I had to do was just accept it.

I was born and raised in a town called Lowell, Massachusetts. My parents, originally from Cambodia, immigrated to Lowell in the 80s after seeking refuge from the Khmer Rouge Regime. I am the youngest of 3 children and the only girl. When I was a kid, I had a neighbor who was my best friend, and we’d always played together. Wherever she went, I went too. Her father was the co-founder of the Angkor Dance Troupe, a non-profit organization based out of Lowell, MA, whose mission is to preserve, educate, and innovate Khmer performing arts. So whenever my best friend would go to dance practices, I would follow along, too. Now, 25 years later, I realize that I have dedicated myself to being a professional Khmer performing artist the entire time. My parents never forced me to dance or put me into the program; I just went myself. Through my years of experience, I found passion in sharing this rich cultural heritage globally and with the next generation through teaching. I once viewed Khmer dance as a hobby, but after moving to Hawaii, I discovered so many opportunities from being a dancer. The moment I viewed Khmer dance as my passion and not a hobby, my fulfillment and creativity flourished. All of the opportunities of performing, teaching, and doing workshops came flooding in, and I became more in tune with my purpose. I re-enrolled in college after dropping out at age 22 to complete my undergraduate degree to continue the exploration of dance through the lens of education and research. This May 2025, I will receive my Bachelor’s degree, graduating Summa Cum Laude in Communication with a minor in Dance, and be the first in my family to graduate from college.

The next part of the interview is where we’d love to learn more about you, your story and what you are focused on professionally – whether it’s a business, nonprofit, artistic career etc.

My artistic journey began at the age of 6, diving into the vibrant world of Khmer arts. With over 25 years of experience in Khmer performing arts, specializing in traditional Khmer classical and folk dance, I am proud to serve as an independent performing artist and instructor. I’ve been professionally trained by the esteemed Master Teacher Phousita Huy, artistic director of the Angkor Dance Troupe, along with many other professors from the Royal University of Fine Arts in Phnom Penh. Now, as a recent resident of Honolulu, Hawaii, I continue to teach within the diasporic community and broaden my connections.
My journey has been multifaceted, encompassing a deep dedication to Khmer dance and notable achievements in representing my heritage on national and international stages. In 2015, I was honored to be crowned Miss Cambodian American and earned the title of Miss Global 2015 1st runner-up, the very first Khmer woman to place highly in an international pageant. Through these platforms, I aimed to embody grace, intelligence, and cultural pride, becoming a symbol of empowerment for Khmer and Khmer diasporas globally.
In addition to my pageantry achievements, I’ve had the privilege of performing on renowned stages, such as the Green Music Center at Sonoma State University, captivating audiences with theatrical productions like the Rebirth of Apsara. My artistry has taken me across the globe, sharing the beauty and depth of Khmer dance in Cambodia, the Philippines, and France, where I connected with diverse audiences and celebrated our shared humanity through dance.
Beyond performing, I am deeply committed to collecting and passing on the knowledge and passion for Khmer dance to the next generation. I’ve led intensive workshops for youth, from Lowell, Massachusetts, to Long Beach, California, along with collaborations with non-profit organizations like the Khmer Community of Seattle King County. Through these experiences, I aim to preserve and promote Khmer culture while instilling values of discipline, determination, passion, and cultural pride in my students, strengthening a new generation of ambassadors for Khmer heritage.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

To me, dance is more than a sequence of movements; it’s a channel for self-discovery and cultural pride. My devotion to Khmer dance has been the key to celebrating my dual identity as both an American and a proud Khmer woman. When I dance, I feel a spiritual and meditative connection with myself and the arts. The experience feels almost magical, especially when accompanied by the enchanting sounds of the live Pinpeat ensemble, which weaves its melodies around the intricate rhythms of the movements. This harmonious collaboration creates an atmosphere rich in emotion and history, allowing me to create a deeper connection to my ancestral roots and embrace the legacy of my culture in every graceful gesture. The more I dig deeper to find answers and discover the world of Khmer performing arts, the more I realize I have much more to discover. With this feeling of deep appreciation and spirituality, it is my lifelong commitment to learn and share this art form that was once lost and passed down to me. I strive to build identities and a sense of belonging by connecting with the diaspora and engaging with communities, especially the youth. By emphasizing the boundless benefits of shared stories and mutual understanding, I believe we can embrace our differences, weave our similarities, and explore the profound impact of cultural exploration on individuals and communities alike.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

3 Qualities or skills :

1. Keep an open mind/heart
By keeping an open mind and heart, you open yourself to new discoveries, people, and opportunities. Explore what’s out there for you! Trying things out for the first time can be scary or intimidating, but that also fosters growth and self-discovery. Putting yourself in a new environment can also enhance creative thinking and inspiration. You may not see results or findings immediately, but eventually, your decisions on your future will be clear to you.

In the beginning, when I first moved to Hawaii, I went through a phase of withdrawal from friends and family and felt sad. I wasn’t sure if I made the right decision moving so far away. But being away helped me focus on who I was without any distractions or influences from my previous environment. I was able to find myself through this by trying new things and overcoming my fears.

2. Discover who you are and what you like/passionate about
Focusing on what makes you happy and fulfilled is a different experience for everyone. For some, it may come easy, and for others, it can take time. Most of the time, the thing that you’re passionate about might not even be the job or thing that supports you financially! You can be passionate about more than 1 thing too! Figuring out your values and what’s important will help you answer that question for yourself. Are you willing to make those sacrifices, whether it’s money or happiness? Are you able to accept that and is it reasonable for the lifestyle you desire?

This reflection takes some time and it is important to prioritize that time to find your answers. This is your only chance to live your beautiful life! Keep in mind your answers may also change too. This is because life changes and circumstances may change. But with an open mind and heart, you can adjust and pivot.

3. Find a supportive group of friends or network that will help you
Supportive friends can be hard to find sometimes. Depending on your circle and relationships, some people may always have something negative to say or doubt you. These people can be discouraging and toxic, especially when you’re trying to do something new or unusual. I have experienced this a few times and realized who my true friends were and who I didn’t want to be around much. During this journey of discovery, it is critical to surround yourself with people who uplift you during these challenging times and who believe in your goals or vision. If it’s hard to find within your friends, try to look for community groups or network with people in the field or topic that may interest you.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I am always open to collaborating with others from any type of background, whether it is for a project, workshop, new concept, or even just for fun! I love meeting new people and connecting with artists from all around the world. The best way to connect would be through my social media. I am mostly active on Instagram and some of my work is also on there, so please follow and send a message 🙂

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virginiaprak/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/virginia-prak-31069422a/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@virginiaprak

Image Credits

Jim Higgins, Chummeng Soun, De Page Studio of Cambodia, Sokai Yoon, madlovellc, Ana do Amaral