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| Those pursuing a dance career are generally expected to meet demanding standards of physique and natural talent, as well as undergo rigorous training. Photo: Bao Minh |
Behind Every Beautiful Movement
In the dance piece ‘Street Vendors of Hue’, performer Tam Thuan leaps high into the air before swooping down toward the stage floor. Although the movement lasts only a few seconds, it draws gasps of admiration from the audience. To execute it beautifully, precisely, and safely, the dancer must rehearse it repeatedly - from building momentum and maintaining balance to mastering the landing.
On stage, audiences see only grace and fluidity. Behind the scenes are long hours of rehearsal, sore muscles, dislocated joints, and bruises from movements not yet perfected. Dancers work with their bodies as their instruments. A single injury to the leg, back, or knee can force them to step away from the stage temporarily, or even affect their entire careers.
People’s Artist Bach Hac, Chairwoman of the Hue City Dancers’ Association, once shared: “Dance is an incredibly demanding profession, but every achievement brings dancers immeasurable happiness. That is the “devotion” that takes hold of anyone who pursues this art form”.
That ‘deep devotion’ to their craft enables many dancers to push beyond their physical limits. Dance training often begins at an early age, when the joints are still flexible, and the body can more easily adapt to demanding movements. From stretching and balance exercises to turns, leaps, and jumps, each technique requires years of practice to master.
Choreographer Mai Van Trung believes that dancers need not only natural talent and the right physique, but also stamina and musical sensitivity. Technique enables performers to execute movements correctly, but to bring a dance to life, they must convey emotion through every gesture - from the positioning of their hands and the rhythm of their steps to their gaze and facial expressions.
These demands are even more exacting in Hue dance. Royal court dance requires precision, solemnity, and restraint. Some movements may appear simple, but performers must carefully control their posture, steps, and gaze. An arm raised too high, a step taken too quickly, or an inappropriate expression can diminish the distinctive spirit of the dance.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoa, a visitor from Ha Noi, was struck by a performance of royal court dance at the Duyet Thi Duong Royal Theater. According to her, within the historic setting, everything - from the dancers’ hand gestures and gazes to their every step - radiated elegance and dignity. The experience made the audience feel as though they had been transported closer to the royal court life of the past.
A dance career also takes away much of the time artists might otherwise spend with their families. On performance days, they often rehearse from the morning and perform late in the evening. Holidays and Tet, when most people rest and reunite with their families, are often the busiest times for dancers. Therefore, choreographer Mai Van Trung believes that dancers greatly need the understanding and support of their loved ones.
Preserving and Passing On the Art
The Hue City Dancers’ Association currently has more than 50 members, including performers and choreographers from several generations. Alongside veteran artists who have devoted many years to the profession - such as Cao Chi Hai, Bach Hac, Mai Trung, Dieu Hy, and Anh Hong - is a younger generation of performers, including Tam Thuan, Quoc Phong, Hoai Nam, Pham Loc, and Hoai Bo.
This continuity between generations is especially important for Hue dance. Senior artists pass down not only the choreography but also an understanding of the origins, performance settings, and cultural significance of each dance.
The Dance Department of Hue Academy of Music and Hue Intermediate School of Culture and Arts have trained generations of dancers and choreographers. During their studies, students develop their dance techniques while participating in artistic programs and Hue Festival events, as well as undertaking internships with professional performing arts organizations.
However, compared with Ha Noi or Ho Chi Minh City, Hue has a relatively small entertainment market, offering dancers few opportunities to participate in commercial productions. Most artists therefore choose to build their careers with Hue Royal Traditional Arts Theatre or Hue Music and Dance Ensemble.
Hue royal court dance is facing a shortage of performers who genuinely understand and adhere to its traditional conventions. Veteran artists are growing older, while training a younger generation that is both technically accomplished and deeply attuned to the ‘spirit of Hue’ is no easy task. Simply executing the movements correctly without the appropriate expression can make a dance appear rigid and lifeless; yet careless attempts at innovation risk stripping it of its distinctive identity.
Preserving Hue dance, however, involves more than simply maintaining traditional repertoire. It is equally important to create an environment in which artists can train, perform, earn a stable income, and envision a sustainable career. Alongside policies supporting training in traditional art forms, greater attention should be given to compensation for artists who teach and pass on their craft, as well as to creating more opportunities for new works to reach the public.