Behind the graceful and fluid movements on stage lie years of rigorous training, injuries, and quiet sacrifices. For Hue dancers, the challenge also lies in embracing contemporary influences while preserving the elegance, solemnity, and refinement that characterize the former imperial capital.

On the afternoon of July 8, Hue City Department of Culture and Sports, in collaboration with Hoang Sy Club as well as various dance and folk dance clubs, teams, and groups, organized the “Ao Dai Dance 2026” exchange program in response to Hue Ao Dai Week 2026.

In the days leading up to the Mid-Autumn Festival, the children in my neighborhood have been joyfully practicing. Calling it a “unicorn dance troupe” sounds grand, but in fact, it’s just about a dozen kids from grades 1 to 7. One contributes an old drum, another brings a unicorn head or a Mr. Earth mask, while some dig through closets for their mothers’ Ao dai, … all gathered together to form an eager, lively team of little unicorn dancers.