The person who "contributes fire" to Khmer dance art

With a passionate heart and deep love for traditional dance art, Ms. Lam Thi Hau, residing in Tan Qui A hamlet, Tan Thanh commune (Can Tho city), not only directly teaches Khmer dances to children, but also inspires love for national culture in many young people of the Khmer community.

From a young age, Lam Thi Hau nurtured a passion for dance. She said: “I loved dancing since I was a student at the ethnic boarding school. At that time, the school invited artists and actors from the Khmer Art Troupe of Soc Trang to teach. From then on, I became more passionate and determined to pursue this path.”

After graduating from high school, Hau passed the entrance exam to study Arts and Culture Management at Ho Chi Minh City University of Culture. This was a turning point for her to accumulate knowledge and nurture her dream of being involved in traditional dance art.

During her studies, Hau always actively participated in the school's cultural and artistic activities, especially programs related to Khmer culture. Thanks to her talent and efforts, she had the opportunity to participate in performing and staging many cultural programs imbued with national identity.

After graduating, she returned to her hometown, opened a dance class for children near her home, and then asked permission from the abbot of Bang Kro Chap Thmay Pagoda to organize free classes for the children in the pagoda. The dance videos that Hau posted on social media quickly attracted attention, helping her to be invited to teach in many places. From those classes, many dance teams were formed, participating in performing for the community in cultural events.

Ms. Lam Thi Hau (2nd left) teaches the dance to the children.

Not only teaching skills, Hau also inspires pride and awareness of preserving cultural identity in the younger generation. Son Thi Huynh Anh, a member of the Bang Kro Chap Thmay pagoda dance team, shared: “I have loved dancing since I was little. When I learned that Ms. Hau opened a free class, I immediately signed up. She is very friendly, dedicated and creates a joyful atmosphere in every practice session. Up to now, I have studied for more than 2 years and have participated in performances at many festivals.”

The Bang Kro Chap Thmay Pagoda Dance Team in Tan Thanh Commune, managed by Hau, currently gathers a large number of young people who are passionate about Khmer dance. Although she is busy working at a state agency, she still takes advantage of the afternoons and evenings to teach dance at some neighboring pagodas. In addition, on weekends, she is also invited by some pagodas to An Giang to teach to students. A course usually lasts 10-15 sessions. Up to now, the dance classes taught by Hau have attracted more than 300 students.

Ms. Lam Thi Hau excitedly said: “Many Khmer dance teams have been established in the community, showing that cultural preservation is spreading everywhere. What I want most is to have more stages for children to show their talents and nurture their passion.”

With a heart for art and dedication, Ms. Lam Thi Hau is making an important contribution to preserving and promoting Khmer cultural identity. Her dance classes are not only a place to practice skills, but also foster national pride, helping the younger generation become the inheritors and promoters of the nation's precious traditions.

Article and photos: THACH PIC

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/nguoi-gop-lua-cho-nghe-thuat-mua-khmer-a190663.html