The unique features of Mai Hoa Thung in the art of lion and dragon dance

In recent days, the atmosphere at Hoai Nhon ward square and Bong Son ward square has become vibrant and colorful as crowds of people flocked to watch the performances of the Binh Minh Hoai Nhon Lion Dance Troupe.

The Mid-Autumn Festival atmosphere is more exciting with the carefully prepared Mai Hoa Thung performance by the Binh Minh Hoai Nhon Lion and Dragon Dance Troupe. **Photo: DVCC**

The Binh Minh Lion Dance Troupe is the first unit in Hoai Nhon Town (old) to perform Mai Hoa Thung and is also the troupe that has been operating the longest. In the early years, the performance techniques of the athletes in the troupe were limited. With passion and a spirit of progress, the members have constantly practiced and perfected each movement. Up to now, the troupe has 6 core athletes who can perform Mai Hoa Thung skillfully.

To bring special performances to serve the people during this Mid-Autumn Festival, the troupe has organized practice since the beginning of the year. Mr. Phan Huu Cuong, Head of the Binh Minh Hoai Nhon Lion and Dragon Dance Troupe, shared: "In the past time, the members of the troupe have self-studied, learned techniques and practiced together. Every year, we always receive comments, adjust and stage new performances to make the program more attractive and richer."

The Mai Hoa Thung performance is attractive and attracts many people to watch. **Photo: HV**

At the 3rd Quy Nhon - Binh Dinh Dragon, Lion and Lion Dance Festival in 2024, the Seven Ladies Temple troupe ( An Giang ) made a strong impression when they completed the Mai Hoa Thung performance excellently, without making any mistakes.

It is known that to have such a perfect performance, the athletes had to practice continuously for many months, honing each movement. Athlete Tran The Vu said: It took the team members many years to be able to coordinate smoothly, perform movements, turn their heads... on the iron pole safely.

The Mai Hoa Thung technique requires absolute precision in every jump, turn, and juggle when moving continuously between poles of different heights and distances. Therefore, lion dance troupes often spend many years practicing, repeating the movements on the stage many times to achieve absolute proficiency and coordination when entering the competition.

Many years ago, in the competition, the Mai Hoa Thung performance of the Ky Hoan Lion and Dragon Club made a strong impression thanks to the athletes: Nguyen Trong Nghia and Do Thai Dinh with their bold and creative "animal dance" style, making the performance lively and attractive; Nguyen Huu Thinh and Vo Dong Long were the duo who performed Mai Hoa Thung with high speed, strength, and brave techniques; Nguyen Tran Thai Anh and Ho Lam Thuan brought sophisticated techniques, bravery, demonstrating the difficulty and endurance of Mai Hoa Thung.

According to Mr. Ho Lam Thuan, Deputy Head of the Ky Hoan Lion and Dragon Club, Mai Hoa Thung requires smooth coordination between the head dancer and the tail dancer during the execution of the movements. Just a small technical error can cause the athlete to fall off the stage, even leading to injury.

"The two athletes taking on this position must spend a lot of time practicing together, while strictly following the coach's instructions to ensure proper technique and minimize risks and unexpected injuries," Mr. Thuan added.