Passionate about the dance in Dong Qua
Following Nhù stream, passing through rice fields will be reaching Liem Phu commune (Van Ban district), a rural area still retains many pristine activities of the Tay people. Coming here, visitors are not difficult to see the image of the women and sisters in traditional indigo dresses and sing the lyrics, harmonize with their ethnic dances. |
| Dances enrich the unique local culture |
Currently the villages in commune have an art team, each team has at least 16 members. We are present at the most beautiful stilt house in Liem Phu commune, where art rehearsal of Dong Qua village is taking place. This is a core performance team of the commune with many members of different ages and operates most often. Grandmothers and mothers have turned into their sixties but their hands and feet are still supple and traditional dances are still professional and beautiful. Most of them know how to dance since the age of 13 or 14.
Whether it is an ancient dance passed from generation to generation or new stylized dances, it has its own meaning through performance of the Tay women. Each dance uses different performing tools, sometimes are colorful fans, square scarves, umbrellas, and sometimes using fruit. The dances are elaborately and meticulously showing the softness, dexterity and grace and flexibility of women.
Every day, they are muddy women, sticking to the farm, but after putting aside their daily work, they become enthusiastic amateur dancers. Each week, the Dong Qua Village Art Team practices 2 sessions. Mrs. Nguyen Thi Toong, 70 years old this year and is the oldest member of the art team, said: Despite my old age, I still love singing and dancing. Dancing with sisters, I find myself healthier, suppler, spririt is also smarter.
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| Art team discussed how to create a new dance |
A dance is created with the help of collective contribution, but it still requires teachings and ideas of core members. Ms. Ma Thi Truong composed the most dances from available rhythms. She said: I knew how to dance and sing when I was a child, taught by my grandmas and moms. Up to now, I have been an amateur choreographer for more than 10 years with many different dances, each with its own message. Most of us have built dances in the theme of praising the Party, Uncle Ho, the homeland, the country, the renewing and prosperous life of the people. It can be a dance to celebrate the New Year planting trees in the spring, the joy of full days or the happiness of uniting...
In order to maintain the art team, the members voluntarily contributed funds to purchase performance costumes and serve other expenses. In addition to participating in local cultural and arts movements, the Dong Qua Village Art Team actively participates in competitions organized by the district, thereby creating a joyful and exciting atmosphere for the members. This is also an old source of inspiration, motivating team members. The Dong Qua village art team also regularly dances to serve tourists when visiting and relaxing at the locality. According to Ms. Luong Thi Tam, Head of the Dong Qua Village Art Team, the women participating in dance not only contribute to preserving the national cultural identity, but also have more income and create joy in life.
Although living conditions of the art team still have many difficulties in facilities, but with the passion for singing, dancing and the desire to preserve and promote national cultural identity, each member of the team tries to overcome to continue training and together enrich unique local culture.
