Vietnamese traditional dance is a rich and diverse cultural expression that reflects the history, customs and identity of the Vietnamese people. Here are 5 of the most unique and popular forms of Vietnamese traditional dance, as well as their origins, meanings and characteristics.
1. Xòe dance:
Xoe dance is a form of Vietnamese dancing that is performed by the Tai people in north-western Viet Nam. It is a traditional and cultural expression that reflects the values and beliefs of the Tai community. Xoe dance has three main types: ritual, circle and presentational. Each type has different forms and meanings, but they all share some common features: they are performed in a circle, they use simple and graceful movements, and they are accompanied by musical instruments and vocals.
Ritual Xòe dances are performed during ceremonies and festivals to worship the ancestors, gods and spirits. They are also used to pray for good health, happiness and prosperity for the community. Some examples of ritual Xòe dances are scarf Xòe, conical hat Xòe, fan Xòe and bamboo pole Xòe. These dances use props that symbolize different aspects of life, such as fertility, protection, harmony and joy.
Circle Xòe dances are the most popular and widely practiced type of Xòe dance. They are performed at social gatherings, such as weddings, village festivals and community events. They are also a way of welcoming guests and showing hospitality. Circle Xòe dances are named after the basic movement of raising and opening the hands, then lowering them and clasping the hands of the adjacent person. The dancers follow rhythmic footsteps, slightly arching the chest and leaning backwards. The circle Xòe dances express the unity and solidarity of the Tai people.
Presentational Xòe dances are performed on stage or in public places to showcase the beauty and diversity of the Tai culture. They are often adapted from the ritual and circle Xòe dances, but with more variations and creativity. Some examples of presentational Xòe dances are music Xòe, stick Xòe and flower Xòe. These dances use props that enhance the aesthetic appeal and artistic expression of the performers.
Xoe dance is a living heritage that has been transmitted from generation to generation within families, dance troupes and schools. It has become a symbol of identity and pride for the Tai people in Viet Nam. Xòe dance is also recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. Xòe dance is a valuable treasure that deserves to be preserved and promoted for future generations.
See this video to learn more about Art of Xòe dance of the Tai people in Viet Nam
2. Lantern dance
Lantern dance is a traditional culture of Vietnamese people, especially during the Mid-Autumn Festival. This is a dance performed entirely with lanterns of all colors and shapes, sometimes with a statue of a god or buddha in the middle. The purpose of this dance is to honor the light of the full moon and bring joy to children.
Lantern dance has its origins in Buddhism, which is said to have appeared since the Ly - Tran dynasties (11-14 centuries). According to legend, on a full moon night, Guan Yin Buddha appeared on a lotus-shaped lantern and blessed the world. Since then, people have started lighting lotus-shaped lanterns to pray and perform the lotus lantern dance. This dance is considered a part of the court music of Hue.
Watch this video for lotus-shaped lantern dance (a part of the court music of Hue)
Today, lantern dance is not only limited to the lotus shape but also has many different shapes, such as stars, carp, peacocks, dragons... Each shape has its own meaning, such as stars are a symbol of intelligence, carp is a symbol of good luck, peacock is a symbol of nobility, dragon is a symbol of strength... Lantern dance is often performed by groups of artists or groups of children in festivals or cultural programs. Each person holds a lantern and moves in flexible and rhythmic dance steps, creating a shimmering and impressive scene.
Lantern dance is a beauty of Vietnamese culture, contributing to preserving and promoting the value of the Mid-Autumn Festival - a children's festival. This dance also expresses the Vietnamese people's spirit of love of light and desire to live in peace and happiness.
3. Hat dance
Hat dance is a traditional dance of Vietnam, showing the grace and flexibility of Vietnamese women. Hat dancing also reminds the image of farmers working hard in the fields and contributing to providing food for the country.
Hat dance has a very long origin. The first image of the Vietnamese conical hat was engraved on the bronze drums of Ngoc Lu, Dao Thinh, and Dong Son from about 2500-3000 years BC. Then, over time, the Vietnamese conical hat has many different shapes and has been associated with the daily life of Vietnamese people since ancient times.
During the Hat dance, dancers gracefully rotate while manipulating conical hats, a tribute to the farmers who work hard in the fields and provide food for the country. The conical hat is not only used to protect oneself from the harsh sun and rain, but is also considered an item of history and a symbol of the graceful Vietnamese woman. It is also a symbol of traditional values of Vietnamese culture as it often appeared in weddings in the past. Centuries ago, the conical hat was a gift that mother-in-law gave to her daughter-in-law before returning to her husband's house as a wish for a stable and happy married life.
Hat dance is performed on festive occasions, such as the Lunar New Year or important holidays, and art or performance programs bearing national cultural imprints. The hat dance is a unique and beautiful dance of Vietnam, contributing to the enrichment and diversity of Vietnamese culture.
4. Fan dance
Vietnamese Fan dance is one of the unique traditional dances of Vietnam, showing the grace and flexibility of a woman. This dance is derived from agricultural activities and people's daily activities, such as harvesting rice, picking flowers, or sweeping the house. Dancers use the fan as the main accessory, expressing different emotions and moods through movements of opening, closing, rotating, and waving the fan.
Vietnamese Fan dance has many different variations depending on the region and festival occasion. Some famous dances are Hue fan dance, Central Highlands fan dance, or Bac Ha fan dance. Each dance has its own characteristics in terms of costumes, music and expressions. Hue fan dance is performed in royal ceremonies of the Nguyen Dynasty, bold in art and majesty. The Central Highlands fan dance is performed in festivals of ethnic minorities, imbued with vividness and cultural exchange. The Bac Ha fan dance is performed in the buckwheat flower festivals of the H'Mong people, imbued with love and romance.
Vietnamese Fan dance is an important part of Vietnamese culture, contributing to preserving and promoting the traditional values of the nation. This dance is also a way to promote the image of Vietnam to friends around the world, impressed by the richness and diversity of Vietnamese art.
5. The lion dance or dragon dance
The lion dance or dragon dance is a unique cultural feature of the Vietnamese people, performed on festive occasions, especially the Lunar New Year. Lion dance or dragon dance is considered a means of exorcism, bringing good luck and happiness to people.
The meaning of lion dance or dragon dance
The lion dance or dragon dance is a symbol of strength, power and prosperity. According to folk beliefs, unicorns and dragons are two species of beasts that can control the weather and bring favorable weather for agriculture. Unicorns and dragons are also guardians of humanity, against evil and evil forces. Lion dance or dragon dance is a way for people to communicate and ask for favors from unicorns and dragons.
Origin of lion dance or dragon dance
The lion dance or dragon dance originated in China and was introduced into Vietnam during the Ly Dynasty (the 11th century). However, through the cultural process, the lion dance or dragon dance has been created and developed by the Vietnamese in their own style. Some distinctive features between Vietnamese and Chinese lion dance or dragon dance are:
- Pattern: The Vietnamese unicorn has the shape of a dog or a horse, while the Chinese unicorn has the shape of a lion. The Vietnamese dragon has a long and curvy body, while the Chinese dragon has a short and curved body.
- Number of people: Vietnamese lion dance usually only needs two people to control the head and tail, while Chinese lion dance needs many people to control the body parts. Vietnamese dragon dance also requires many people to control the body parts, while Chinese dragon dance may only need two people to control the head and tail.
- Music: Vietnamese lion dance or dragon dance is combined with traditional music such as drums, gongs, trumpets,... while Chinese lion dance or dragon dance is combined with modern music such as ringing bells, fireworks. ,...
This video shows a Lion Dance Performance with joy
Performance of lion dance or dragon dance
Lion dance or dragon dance is a type of performance art that requires the dexterity, flexibility and uniformity of the actors. Some basic steps of lion dance or dragon dance are:
- Opening dance ceremony: This is a step to honor and bless the unicorn or dragon. Actors will burn incense, offer cakes, tea, wine, ... to the unicorn or dragon, then open the eyes of the unicorn or dragon by using pencil or chicken blood to draw on the eyes of the unicorn or dragon.
- Welcome dance: This is the step to greet and impress the audience. The actors will control the unicorn or dragon to move flexibly, jump high, spin, nod, ... to the beat of the music.
- Dancing: This is the step to show the intelligence and ingenuity of the unicorn or dragon. The actors will control unicorns or dragons to eat items that are hung on high such as cakes, fruit, money, ... The way to eat must be agile and do not drop items. After eating, the unicorn or dragon will spit out crumbs, fruit, money, ... to share the luck for the audience.
- Closing Dance: This is the step to end the performance and thank the audience. The actors will control the unicorn or dragon to move towards the stage, bowing and bending to show respect and gratitude.
This video shows a Lion Dance Performance on the street in Saigon Vietnam
Lion dance or dragon dance is a unique and proud culture of Vietnamese people. Lion dance or dragon dance is not only a kind of performance art but also a means to express the national spirit, belief in life and desire to enjoy life.
These are just some examples of the many forms of Vietnamese traditional dance that exist in different regions and ethnic groups of Vietnam. Each form has its own history, meaning and style that reflect the rich and diverse culture of Vietnam. Vietnamese traditional dance is not only a form of art but also a way of preserving and promoting the national identity and heritage of Vietnam.