"The dark sounds of the clarinet, cello and baritone are really very touching, " Nash Ensemble cellist Paul Watkins said.

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One challenge that childcare providers run up against in providing the empathy that children need, especially with the very young where I think touch is vitally important, is that teachers have to very careful in touching and comforting children because of liability issues and how easily acts of compassion can be construed as child molestation.

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Touching is a very intense and personal form of communication.

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The accomplished cast included the impassioned soprano Christina Boosahda as Bita, the Parvins' daughter, who greets them in Houston (her tahrir-inspired singing was very good), and mezzo Eve Gigliotti, touching as Mrs.

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When, for the climactic union of Mera and Prince Kambu, portrayed by two female dancers (Chap Chamroeunmina and Chen Chansoda), actual physical contact occurred, the very act of touching was almost shocking given the measured formalities of Khmer classicism's unemphatic methods.

WSJ: Cambodia's Cultural Crown Jewel | Royal Ballet of Cambodia | Brooklyn Academy of Music | By Robert Greskovic