With its vibrant drum rhythm, powerful movements and profound spiritual meaning, Chhay-Dam is not only a dance but also a bridge of history, culture and solidarity of the Khmer community.
The art of Chhay-Dam drum dance is considered a cultural "magnet", not only preserving the Khmer national identity but also contributing to enriching the treasure of Vietnamese cultural heritage.
Since 2014, Chhay-dam drum dance (Truong Tay commune, Hoa Thanh town, Tay Ninh province) has been recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. Recently, the art of Chhay-Dam drum performance of the Khmer people in Tri Ton district and Tinh Bien town, An Giang province, was also listed in this list by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
The soul of Chhay-Dam drum dance
Chhay-dam drum dance is an art form taught to the Khmer people in Vietnam by Master Thai Chia Thanh (Cambodian) in 1972.
Chhay-Dam drum dance often appears in traditional festivals such as Chol Chnam Thmay, Dolta, Ok Om Bok or community events. The dance has historical significance, recreating the image of heroic Khmer warriors, honoring the gods and praying for a bountiful harvest. The vibrant sound of the drum combined with the acrobatic movements, stances, and duels in the style of traditional martial arts, creates a special attraction, making viewers unable to take their eyes off.
The Chhay-Dam drum is the soul of the dance, made from a hollowed-out old areca trunk, covered with buffalo or python skin on one side, and a smaller tail attached to a metal base. Each performance usually uses 4-6 drums, combined with gongs (Cuol), cymbals (Chul) and senh (Krap). The drum rhythm changes flexibly, from fast to slow, created by hands, elbows, heels, or even hitting other people's drums, creating a rustic but vibrant sound.
The dancer wears a drum on his belly, performing decisive, graceful movements, combining acrobatics and martial arts techniques. The special thing is that the performer must hold the drum tightly to avoid touching the floor, ensuring the sound resonates without interruption. The dance can be performed solo, in pairs or in groups, requiring health, flexibility and the ability to coordinate rhythm and body movements.
Khmer youth are the inheritors of the Chhay-dam drum dance. (Photo: Minh Phu/VNA)
The Chhay-Dam dance costume is usually xa-banh, a traditional cloth used for both men and women. Women combine it with Chang Pong, a cloth that covers the chest and exposes the belly, creating comfort when performing. The costume is wrapped skillfully, firmly, with eye-catching colors, expressing the typical culture of the Khmer people without the need for facial makeup like some regions of the Southwest.
Symbol of unity
Chhay-Dam is not only an art form but also a symbol of unity and joy. The dance dispels sadness, brings a jubilant atmosphere, and expresses the optimism and strength of the Khmer community. Stories about warriors, gods and wishes for good harvests are told through each drum beat and each movement, creating a vivid cultural picture.
Teaching Chhay-dam drum dance to young people. (Photo: Minh Phu/VNA)
In Tay Ninh , Truong Tay commune is the cradle of Chhay-Dam drum dance, where artisans teach the younger generation. Dance teams from adults to children regularly perform at the Khmer ethnic cultural house, preserving the flame of heritage.
In An Giang , classes were held at Ta Ngao Pagoda (Tinh Bien) and O Lam Commune (Tri Ton), attracting a large number of young people to participate.
In addition, Chhay-Dam is promoted through a number of major events, contributing to bringing this heritage closer to the public and promoting cultural tourism.
To avoid the risk of the Chhay-Dam drum performance art form being lost, recently, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of An Giang province has coordinated with prestigious dignitaries of the Khmer ethnic group and the authorities of Tri Ton district and Tinh Bien town to organize 2 classes to teach Chhay-Dam drum dancing to nearly 50 Khmer ethnic youth.
Speaking at the Ceremony to announce the Decision of the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism to list "The art of Chhay-Dam drum performance of the Khmer people" in Tri Ton district and Tinh Bien town, An Giang province as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage on the evening of June 27, Mr. Truong Ba Trang, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of An Giang province, said that in order to preserve and promote the value of this heritage, the Department requested the People's Committee of Tinh Bien town and Tri Ton district, along with wards and communes with this type of heritage existing in the area, to have a program and plan to manage, preserve and promote the value of the heritage.
At the same time, localities should increase performance activities and cultural exchanges to create conditions for artisans to participate in practice, performance, improve skills, and promote creativity; train a team of successor artisans to form professional drum teams to serve pagodas on holidays, improving the spiritual and cultural life of the community and hamlets./.
(Vietnam+)
Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/suc-hut-tu-di-san-nghe-thuat-dien-tau-trong-chhay-dam-cua-nguoi-khmer-post1046914.vnp
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