Champa Dance

Throughout history, the Champa people created and developed a unique folk culture. One of its distinctive features is the dance offered to the gods, showcasing the grace, skill, and agility of the artists, while also reflecting the rich spiritual life of the Champa people.

Legend of the Champa Dancer

According to statistics, the Champa people had a total of 80 dances, each corresponding to one of their 80 deities. For the Champa people, dance was very important. Dance created a sacred, joyful, and lively atmosphere for festivals. From festivals, they created folk dances to serve themselves. Therefore, folk dances reflect the daily life and work of the Champa people.

The dancers wore multi-layered conical hats, their bodies graceful, their arms outstretched, their sampóts wrapped in layers around their waists, the hems flowing and swirling, their legs bobbing, their right leg slightly bent, their left leg thrusting backward. In group dances, the dancers lightly rested their right hands on their hips, their left arms raised high, forming a unified posture that exuded vibrant beauty. In individual dances, the dancers always draped thin scarves over their heads, their hands clasped above their heads, pulling the veil with them, their legs bent evenly, their body weight concentrated on their toes. Yellow or pink were the main colors of the Champa dancers' costumes.

From an aesthetic perspective, Champa dances showcase the beauty of the female body. Champa dances are captivating when accompanied by traditional Champa musical instruments such as the ghinang drum, paranung, and saranai horn. In the mystical flickering firelight, the Champa women gracefully move their "belly, thighs..." to the rhythm of the drums and horns, enchanting the audience.

It can be said that Champa dance is a unique part of Champa cultural heritage. Over time, this art form has received attention from relevant authorities at all levels to preserve and promote it appropriately, partly satisfying the public's need for artistic creation and appreciation. With passion for the art and appropriate investment, Champa dances are increasingly developing in a healthy direction.