The lion dance, an art form with a rich historical background, holds significant cultural importance among the Hoa people. It is deeply intertwined with their customs and is prominently featured throughout several special events, mainly the Tet holiday. In accordance with the traditions and practices of dragon and lion dance, a couple of lions usually perform together with “người dụ châu”, who assumes control over the proceedings. The performer’s equipment typically consists of either a square table or a pearl ball.
“Ngu Su Hi Cau” performance
A troupe of five lions, comprising ten lion dancers, created the “Ngu Su Hi Cau” performance, which demonstrates their ability to retain balance while standing on a gigantic iron sphere. The performance requires the harmonious cooperation of ten performers, who must skillfully synchronize their motions to maintain balance while standing on a rolling ball and propelling it forward.
On July 30th, 2023, under the witness of the provincial leaders, the leaders of the Ho Chi Minh City Lion and Dragon Dance Federation, and the representatives of Vietnam Records Organization (VietKings), Thang Nghia Duong Dragon and Lion Dance Troupe successfully accomplished “Ngu Su Hy Cau” performance with a distance of 12 meters at District 5 Cultural Center, Ho Chi Minh City.
Thang Nghia Duong Dragon and Lion Dance Troupe successfully performed “Ngu Su Hy Cau” on July 30th, 2023
On August 5th, 2023, at the 44th anniversary of Thang Nghia Duong Dragon and Lion Dance Troupe establishment, the Vietnam Records Organization (VietKings) officially announced and awarded the certificate to set a Vietnam Record with the content “Vietnam’s first dragon and lion dance troupe successfully performs the “Ngu Su Hi Cau—5 lions (10 lion dancers) standing on an iron ball, rolling a distance of 12 meters” to the dragon and lion dance troupe.
The audience experienced the spectacular “Ngu Su Hi Cau” performance at the 44th Anniversary Ceremony of the Thang Nghia Duong Dragon and Lion Dance Troupe’s Establishment
The Representatives of Vietnam Record Association – Vietnam Records Organization (VietKings) attended at the event including Mr.Duong Duy Lam Vien – General Secretary of the Vietnam Record Association, Director of the Vietnam Records Institute, and Mrs. Nguyen Thi Quynh Ngoc – General Secretary and Head of Communications Department of Vietnam Records Organization (VietKings).
Mrs. Nguyen Thi Quynh Ngoc – General Secretary and Head of Communications Department of Vietnam Records Organization (VietKings) announced the Vietnam Record Awarding Decision to Thang Nghia Duong Dragon and Lion Dance Troupe
Mr.Duong Duy Lam Vien (rightmost) – General Secretary of the Vietnam Record Association, Director of the Vietnam Records Institute and Mrs.Nguyen Thi Quynh Ngoc – General Secretary and Head of Communications Department of Vietnam Records Organization (VietKings) awarded the Vietnam Record certificate to the Representatives of Thang Nghia Duong Dragon and Lion Dance Troupe
———-
Thang Nghia Duong Dragon and Lion Dance Troupe belongs to the Shaolin Chanh Tong Thai Ly Phat sect, which was founded by a master named Dang Van Thanh (also known as Dang Tay) in 1979. During a 44 years history of formation and development in Vietnam, Thang Nghia Duong Dragon and Lion Dance Troupe is the place that has preserved and developed the quintessential values of the Thai Ly Phat sect in Ho Chi Minh City in particular and Vietnam in general. Furthermore, Thang Nghia Duong has not only cultivated many generations of martial arts and dragon dance students but also practiced morality to become a useful person for society.
