Venerable Khemara Chanh
Khmer Language Advisor
About KLACA
សាលាភាសា សិល្បៈ និងវប្បធម៌ខ្មែរ
KLACA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and teaching Cambodian language, traditional arts, and classical dance to the community and youth of the South Puget Sound.
Our history
Founded in March 2017 in Tacoma, Washington, the Khmer Language Arts & Culture Academy was established by devoted parents and community leaders as a 501(c)(3) non-profit.
It began with families who wanted to preserve Khmer heritage and keep it alive in the hearts of the younger generation — born from community conversations, planning sessions, and the belief that our culture deserves space, visibility, and celebration.
We started with a small but mighty team of volunteers teaching modest language and dance classes. Over time, KLACA became more than a cultural program — it grew into a place for learning, belonging, and pride, where our youth discover the richness of who they are.
Mission
To open doors to learning and cultural experiences, empowering every member of our community to grow, explore, and thrive.
បេសកកម្មរបស់យើងគឺបើកឱកាសសម្រាប់ការរៀនសូត្រ និងការចូលរួមវប្បធម៌ ដើម្បីឱ្យសមាជិកសហគមន៍របស់យើងអាចរីកចម្រើន។
Vision
A thriving Khmer community, empowered through collaboration, unity, and shared opportunities.
ចក្ខុវិស័យយើង គឺសហគមន៍ខ្មែរដែលរីកចម្រើន ពេញមួយដោយការចូលរួមគ្នា ភាពឯកភាព និងឱកាសរួម។
Meet our team
KLACA is run by volunteer advisors, instructors, and a community board — the people who show up every Sunday.
Khmer Language
ភាសាខ្មែរ
Vuthy Chao
Khmer Language Advisor
Nek Kru Darachan Ros
Khmer Language Advisor
Venerable Sam Bo Son
Language Instructor · Beginner
Jenda Kong
Language Instructor · Beginner
Khmer Performing Arts
សិល្បៈសម្តែងខ្មែរ
Ben Taing
Performing Arts Director & Dance Instructor
Sras “Precious” Chuop
Classical & Folk Dance Instructor
Somalin Thach
Classical & Folk Dance Instructor
Luna See
Classical & Folk Dance Instructor
Sarom Son
Chaiyam Instructor
Kun L'Bokator Khmer Martial Arts
ល្បុក្កតោ
Samuel Danh
Kun L'Bokator Instructor
Board of Directors
ក្រុមប្រឹក្សាភិបាល
Michael-Te Chieng
President
Savong Lam
Vice President
Chammy You
Treasurer
Sammy Sou
Board Member
Sampy Chen
Board Member
Chanrith Peth
Board Member
What guides us
Identity
Language and dance carry memory. Teaching them to our youth keeps a living connection to Cambodia and to the generations before us.
Access
Classes are community-run and low-barrier so that any family in the South Puget Sound can take part, regardless of background or means.
Continuity
Students grow into teachers. Our aim is a self-sustaining circle of learners who carry the work forward.
Where we meet
3513 E Portland Ave, Tacoma, WA 98404Office hours
Sundays, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
TC
Funding notice
This programming is funded in part by Tacoma Creates.