The resounding moves
With their unique skills, Binh Duong lion and dragon dance troupes have left their mark on major arenas, both domestic and international. Each jump and each movement tells a story of constant creativity, solidarity and determination to overcome all challenges to shine.
Arresting to lookers-on
Lion dance is not only a folk art, but also a combination of passion, hard work and solidarity. In Binh Duong, lion dance has become the pride of the whole community. Among them, the lion dance performance on Mai Hoa Thung, with its adventurous and dramatic lion dances, has become a special mark, captivating people's hearts.
Performances on the towering poles are not only a harsh challenge for athletes, but also vivid works of art, leaving a deep impression on the audience.
The dojo ladder staged with iron poles from 1.2m to 2.4m high, is not easy to conquer. To be able to dance skillfully on these iron poles, each member of the lion dance troupe must undergo a long period of hard training. The athletes not only train for physical strength, but also must know martial arts to be able to overcome the challenges. The jumps and juggling movements with such high precision that they "stop the heart" of the audience are not the result of luck, but the perfect combination of skillful techniques and unyielding spirit.
Dances such as the lion picking up the buds on a bamboo tree over 6m high or the movements performed on the soaring Mai Hoa Thung trellis always make the audience hold their breath. The brave jumps and spins in the air are not only beautiful but also contain a story about courage, resilience and the desire for victory.
Mr. Vo Hoang Tanh, Head of Quang Nghe unicorn-lion-dragon Dance Troupe (Thuan An City), shared that dancers have to spend 2 to 6 years of elaborate training, but only have 10 minutes to shine on stage with a 1.2m to 2.4m high platform. Technique and physical condition combined with the athlete's demeanor and bravery will create artistic performances, bringing the audience moments of dramatic enjoyment.
Cultivate character and stay away from social evils Practising lion dance is not only to perform an art form, but also a way to train personality, helping young people stay away from negative temptations and social evils. At Quang Nghe lion dance troupe, such stories are very common. Young people, some of whom are workers who came to Binh Duong and whose families cannot afford to take care of them, have found passion and direction in practicing lion dance. Thanks to the care and guidance of the troupe leader, these young people not only learn skillful performing skills, but also learn how to work hard, live responsibly and build a stable life. Some have become workers in industrial parks, delivery staff, or even opened their own business opportunities. |
Reaching out
With the hard training and unique moves of Binh Duong lion and dragon dance, this art form is increasingly loved by many people. Not only that, some lion and dragon dance troupes in Binh Duong are also highly appreciated in international competitions. Some names can be mentioned such as: Quang Nghe lion and dragon dance troupe, Phuoc Anh Duong, Long Kun, Gia Thang etc.
Mr. Vo Hoang Tanh, Head of Quang Nghe Lion and Dragon Dance Troupe, shared that to be successful, it is not only about physical training, but also about unity and solidarity. “Each time we perform, we put all our heart and love into this art form,” Mr. Tanh shared.
Among the highly regarded lion dance troupes in Binh Duong, Phuoc Anh Duong has achieved many remarkable achievements in domestic and international arenas. For two consecutive years (2023 and 2024), it won 2 first prizes and 2 second prizes at the Quy Nhon - Binh Dinh Lion Dance Festival; first prize at the Mai Hoa Thung Lion Dance Competition of Aeon Mall Cup 2023; 1 first prize and 1 second prize at the Hai Chau - Da Nang Lion Dance Festival 2024; second prize at the Mai Hoa Thung Lion Dance Competition at the National Sports Congress 2025; consolation prize at the International Lion Dance Competition in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)... That shows that the lion dance art in Binh Duong has reached far and left its mark in international playgrounds.
Oriental unicorn unique dance If you have the opportunity to visit Lai Thieu, Chanh Nghia or Bung during the Lunar New Year or the Full Moon Festival, it will not be difficult to see bustling parades, bringing a solemn but also lively and exciting atmosphere. These are unique dances that serve both sacred rituals and carry the cultural identity of the Chinese of Phuoc Kien in Thu-Binh Duong. Hau (oriental unicorn) dance, a unique feature of the Chinese people of Fujian, is completely different from the lion dance, unicorn dance or dragon dance. Hau, the mascot of the Chinese people of Fujian, has a unique shape: Tiger head, snake body, deer legs, and ox tail. These are the four unsightly animals, considered to be scary animals in the imagination of the ancients, bringing a majestic, strong, and powerful look. In particular, the head of the Hau is made of pottery - a traditional crafting technique of the Chinese people of Fujian, demonstrating the ingenuity and meticulousness of the artisans. According to Mr. Vuong Quang Tinh, artistic advisor of Phuoc Vo Dien troupe, Hau dance has a strong religious and solemn character. Hau is not used for performing and entertaining purposes like lion dance, lion dance, dragon dance but only appears in worship ceremonies. Usually in the worship ceremony to welcome Ong Bon on a tour of the pottery kiln-making areas in Bung, Lai Thieu, Chanh Nghia and Tan Phuoc Khanh, Binh Duong. |
Reported by Thuc Van - Translated by Vi Bao
