Preserving the rhythm of folk songs and Bài Chòi (a traditional Vietnamese theatrical art form) amidst modern life.

DNO - A folk singing class in the heart of Da Nang is becoming a meeting place for generations who love traditional art. With the rhythmic sounds of the instruments and percussion echoing regularly each week, this cultural heritage is regaining vitality in contemporary life.

Familiar folk songs and melodies were sung with great emotion in the classroom. Photo: TRAM ANH

Searching for the song of my homeland.

On Thursday evening, the rhythmic clicking of the zither blended with the resonant sound of the two-stringed fiddle in the small room at the Xuan Dan 2 Community Cultural Center (Thanh Khe Ward). Under the guidance of artist Huyen Tan, Meritorious Artist Thanh Chau, and musician Van Ho, nearly 30 students of all ages were enthusiastically practicing the melody " Sending My Heart to My Father ."

In the classroom setting for folk singing and Bài Chòi chanting, many older students have found an opportunity to rekindle their passion for the melodies of their homeland after years of hard work. As a result, each song they sing seems to be filled with more emotion.

The folk singing and Bài Chòi performance class has become a place to connect people who love traditional art. Photo: TRÂM ANH

Ms. Bich Tram (born in 1972, residing in Hoa Khanh ward) confided that although she loved folk songs since childhood, the burden of making a living gradually reduced her singing. "Now that I'm retired, I'm very happy to have this class. Every day I look forward to the lesson so I can pour my heart and soul into the folk songs," Ms. Tram expressed.

As the youngest student, Pham Minh Duc (born in 2000, residing in Ngu Hanh Son ward) was drawn to Bai Choi from his childhood memories in Quang Nam province. The Bai Choi chants during festivals, Tet (Lunar New Year), or when accompanying his grandmother to performances, ignited in Duc a desire to learn more about this unique art form.

[ VIDEO ] - Students share their feelings about participating in the folk singing and Bài Chòi singing class:

The deeper he delved into it, the more the young man felt the intimacy and simplicity of the Bài Chòi folk songs. For Đức, it wasn't just music , but a cultural current deeply embedded in the lives of the people of Quảng Nam - Đà Nẵng. "After each lesson, those melodies lingered, making me hum them all the way home," Đức shared.

Silently keeping the flame of heritage alive.

According to artist Huyen Tan, Head of the Song Han Folk Song Club ( Da Nang City Cultural and Film Center), this is the second folk song and folk song class she has organized, after the first course at the end of 2025 received a warm response from the community.

Many elderly people are rediscovering their love for folk music after years of being busy earning a living. Photo: TRAM ANH

Ms. Tan was surprised by the large number of students who registered, including those who didn't mind traveling long distances from Dien Ban, Go Noi, or Thang An… to attend the class.

"Many elderly people arrive early to make it to the evening class. They confide that just listening to the music and singing a few folk songs makes them happy. That's what motivates me to continue this class," artist Huyen Tan shared.

In the class, students are guided through basic folk melodies such as Vọng kim lang, Đất Hồ lòng Hán, Hò chèo thuyền - Lý vọng phu, Lý Thương nhau, Lý ngựa ô... along with the four main melodies of bài chòi including Xuân nữ, Cổ bản, Xàngxê and Hò Quảng.

Students perform a report at the closing ceremony of the first folk song and Bài Chòi singing class in 2025. Photo: HỮU TRUNG

According to her, the class not only teaches singing techniques and rhythm, but more importantly, it creates a space for people to better understand and appreciate the traditional cultural values ​​of their homeland.

"I hope this class will help young people learn more about folk songs and traditional theater, so that these melodies not only live on in the memories of previous generations but also strongly remain present in life today," Ms. Tan expressed.

[VIDEO] - Artist Huyen Tan shares her desire to preserve and spread the folk song and chanting tradition of Bai Choi:

Amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, this class is helping to keep the flame of Bài Chòi art alive – a representative intangible cultural heritage of humanity. Through the sounds of the instruments and songs that resonate regularly each week, the love for the culture of their homeland is quietly passed down through generations.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/giu-nhip-dan-ca-bai-choi-giua-doi-song-hien-dai-3338136.html