Lion Dance - a special highlight of the Mid-Autumn Festival

Performance by the Hung Anh Duong Lion Dance Team.

Cultural bridge connecting communities

These days, all over the streets from urban to rural areas, the Mid-Autumn Festival atmosphere is filled with bright lanterns, cheerful laughter and especially the bustling sound of lion dance drums. Different from the usual performances, lion dance brings special attraction because of its high interactivity, the harmony between sound, light and movement. When the festival drums sound, the crowd is mesmerized by the strong and soft dance steps of the lion: sometimes witty and mischievous, sometimes majestic and brave. Accompanying the lion is the image of Mr. Dia with a bright smile, a big belly and a palm-leaf fan, bringing hearty laughter to the audience.

Not only for entertainment, Lion Dance is also a cultural bridge. Adults look back on their childhood memories, children eagerly await each graceful movement, through which each person appreciates the value of reunion and national identity.

Members of the Hung Anh Duong Lion Dance team meticulously decorate the lion's head in preparation for the Mid-Autumn Festival.

In Nam Dong Hung commune, the Hung Anh Duong Lion Dance Team is contributing to bringing joy to the community. Established in 2021 with 20 young members, the team quickly became a highlight in local cultural programs. Few people know that in order to have performances that only last 7-10 minutes but are powerful and attractive, the members have to practice diligently. Mr. Hung Anh, the team leader, shared: We practice 4 sessions a week, from stance, jumping, to drum beats, all must be coordinated smoothly. Seeing the children cheering and clapping, all our fatigue disappears.

Every Mid-Autumn Festival is the busiest time. From the beginning of the 8th lunar month until the end of the full moon, the team is almost fully booked, there are days when they have to move continuously, have a quick meal and then go. Although it is hard, for Mr. Hung Anh, the joy brought to children is the greatest reward. "On the Mid-Autumn Festival alone, the team has about 20 performances. It is hard but happy, because we are proud to contribute to creating beautiful childhood memories for the children" - Mr. Hung added.

Each 15-minute Lion - Lion - Dragon performance costs from 3 million VND or more.

The cost for each performance ranges from 3 to 4.5 million VND depending on the scale and distance. But the spiritual value that the team brings is immeasurable: the laughter and sparkling eyes of children. In a program called “Happy Mid-Autumn Festival”, 9-year-old Do Minh Anh from Nam Dong Hung commune excitedly held her mother’s hand: “Mom, I love it! Next year, please take me to see the lion dance again!” – those simple words of children are the motivation for the lion dance teams to continue to nurture their passion.

Passion for keeping the lion-dragon art alive in everyday life

In Pho Hien ward, the Lion Dance - Dragon and White Tiger Street Art Troupe is also in a hurry. Mr. Duong Van Tu, the leader of the troupe, said that the phone has been ringing continuously to make appointments from the 11th to the 15th of the 8th lunar month. Since the beginning of the 7th lunar month, all members have gathered to practice. The troupe currently has 15-20 members, aged from 15 to 35, all united by a common passion. Mr. Tu shared: A Lion Dance lasts about 15 minutes but requires physical strength, high technique and creativity. If the performer does not put his soul into each step and movement of the lion, the dance will become stiff. We always learn and explore new movements from the media and the internet to create something new for the audience.

Adults and children enjoy watching the Lion - Lion - Dragon dance.

Not only Hung Anh Duong, Bach Ho Duong, many other professional Lion dance teams and groups are also busy with performances for children during the Mid-Autumn Festival. In fact, the demand for Lion dance rental is increasing, not only from businesses, agencies, schools, shopping centers but also from residential areas that want to organize a meaningful Mid-Autumn Festival for their children.

Besides professional troupes, many spontaneous local dance groups have also been formed, gathering young people with the same passion. Although they are not yet trained, they still actively practice and learn to bring joy to children.

To have a successful performance, customers often prioritize choosing reputable troupes with well-trained staff, quality props and costumes. Safety is also a top priority, so that each performance is both pleasing to the eye and smooth.

These days, from bustling cities to peaceful villages, the image of colorful lions leaping to the beat of drums has become a symbol of the Mid-Autumn Festival. For adults, it is a symbol of joy and happiness. For children, it is a symbol of excitement and joy. And for lion dancers, it is a journey to preserve and spread the beauty of folk culture, so that each full moon festival night is more complete and sparkling.

Duong Mien - Huong Giang

Source: https://baohungyen.vn/mua-lan-trung-thu-diem-nhan-dac-sac-cho-dem-hoi-trang-ram-3185984.html