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| A Rel Linh Art Club is often invited to perform at local events |
Born into a family with a strong artistic tradition, A Rel Thuy Linh was steeped in the sounds of folk songs and dances from an early age. Her mother, Tar Du Tu – a Meritorious Artisan, and her father, Meritorious Artisan A Rel Doi, inspired her as a child when she followed them to village festivals.
Those childhood experiences fostered in her a deep love for ethnic culture. After being admitted to Hue Intermediate School of Culture and Arts, Linh pursued vocal performance and later choreography. With this solid foundation, she skilfully combines singing and dancing in her performances - maintaining traditional spirit while appealing to modern tastes.
Returning to her hometown, in addition to teaching music at Kim Dong Primary School in A Luoi 2 Commune, Thuy Linh devotes her time to community cultural activities. Recognizing that the dances of A Luoi ethnic groups often feature simple, repetitive movements, she boldly introduces creative elements, coordinating costumes, music, and formations, to make them more engaging without losing their essence. “Preservation does not mean keeping everything unchanged; it means safeguarding the spirit so culture can live with the times,” Thuy Linh explains.
In 2022, she founded the A Rel Linh Art Club, gathering young people with the same passion. It has become not only a playground but also a space to nurture the dream of preserving and spreading highland culture.
During practice sessions, Linh stands at the center of the circle, raising her hands and locking eyes with the members, correcting each step and gesture with care. “Even the smallest movement, if done incorrectly, can lose the soul of the dance,” she reminds. Rehearsals stretch for hours until everyone masters each beat and rhythm.
“No matter where I perform or how many people are watching, I always feel as if I was dancing at a festival. When I don the traditional attire, I feel as if I carried with me the mountains, the forests, and the story of my people,” Linh shares.
Ho Van Trang, a Pa Co member who has been with the club since its founding days, says: “Every time I stand on stage, singing and dancing to the melodies of my people, I feel proud and happy. That’s why I always accompany Linh to help spread our culture to more and more people”.
In 2024, the “Moot Dung Festival - New House Celebration” performance of the Pa Co people - restored and choreographed by A Rel Thuy Linh, was honored with a Silver Medal at the National Folk Performance Festival of Ethnic Cultures.
According to Mrs. Le Thi Thao, Deputy Head of the Department of Culture and Society of A Luoi 2 Commune: “A Rel Thuy Linh is a shining example of creativity and dedication. She not only has artistic talent but also knows how to organize, connect, and inspire. Her work has made local cultural activities more vibrant while promoting A Luoi’s highland image to visitors”.
For A Rel Thuy Linh, every performance she choreographs and every dance she stages is a statement: highland culture does not merely live in memory, but continues to exist, spread, and inspire present and future generations.