At the center of the narrative is a Cambodian dancer (June Angela), a refugee in America suffering from psychosomatic blindness.

Once, Croaker had seen a troupe of Cambodian dancers perform.

Then, one by one, they emerge transformed - shimmering mythical creatures in the tight silk bodices, silver belts and flowing trousers of classical Cambodian dancers.

From the 9th to the 12th century, classical Cambodian dancers were viewed as sublime intermediaries between God and man.

Auguste Rodin was captivated by the Cambodian dancers and painted a series of water colors of the dancers.

"Before, we just follow the teacher," said Belle Chumvansodha, 21, one of the Cambodian dancers.

Cambodian dancers today, he said, provide a glimpse of the ancient culture revealed in bas relief sculptures in the ruins of Siem Reap.

There will be performances by Cambodian dancers and by the children's chorus of St. Rita's Asian Center.

What was once a resolutely plain dining room now has colorful posters of Cambodian dancers, track lights and an Astroturf floor.

"The exotic aspect of the Cambodian dancers is zero," Ms. Buley-Uribe said.