Crowned by a golden, winged headdress as detailed as the spires on Cambodia's famed carved temples, the radiant Meng Chan Chara portrayed Apsara Mera, who legend says mated with Prince Kambu to create the kingdom of Cambodia.
With the dancers' single-spire headdresses pointing heavenward like so many sharp beams, and the predominance of golden hues in their sarongs (for the goddesses) and draped trousers (for the gods), the finale of "The Legend of Apsara Mera" had the look of a vista of towering temples all animated as if visited by a gentle breeze.