In celebration of the 60th anniversary of Hanoi’s Liberation Day (October 10, 1954 – October 10, 2014), the 4th Dragon Dance Festival took place in front of the statue of King Ly Thai To in Chi Linh Park in Hanoi. The festival brought the audience eye-catching dragon dances imbued with cultural features of 1000 year-old Thang Long –Hanoi.
Dragon dance originated from the Thang Long (dragon flying) legend since King Ly Thai To moved the capital from Hoa Lu to Thang Long (present-day Hanoi) in 1010. The dance reflects people’s dreams and aspirations for a peaceful and prosperous life. Therefore, Hanoi has organized the dragon dance festival for the third time that honours the traditional value of the millennium capital.
The 4th Dragon Dance Festival drew the participation of 25 dragon dance troupes from 25 districts in Hanoi. The performances were diverse in themes, such as “An Duong Vuong xay thanh Co Loa” (King An Duong built Co Loa Citadel) from Dong Anh Troupe, “Chuyen minh theo huong rong” (Changing as the direction of the dragon) of Chuong My Troupe and “Phu Dong rong bay” (Flying Dragon in Phu Dong) from Gia Lam Troupe, bringing the audience a visual feast.
The 4th Dragon Dance Festival drew the participation of 25 dragon dance troupes from 25 districts in Hanoi. The performances were diverse in themes, such as “An Duong Vuong xay thanh Co Loa” (King An Duong built Co Loa Citadel) from Dong Anh Troupe, “Chuyen minh theo huong rong” (Changing as the direction of the dragon) of Chuong My Troupe and “Phu Dong rong bay” (Flying Dragon in Phu Dong) from Gia Lam Troupe, bringing the audience a visual feast.
Story: Tran ThanhGiang - Photos: Tran Thanh Giang& Thong Hai
Dragon dance troupes on Hanoi streets. Photo: Tran Thanh Giang/VNP
Dragon dance troupes parade around Sword Lake. Photo: Tran Thanh Giang/VNP
Dragons flank the statue of King Ly Thai To. Photo: Tran ThanhGiang/VNP
A pose showing the power of four unicorns. Photo: Tran Thanh Giang/VNP
Two dragons play with rain. Photo: Tran Thanh Giang/VNP
Dragons breathe fire to finish a performance. Photo: Tran Thanh Giang/VNP
Dragons play together. Photo: Tran Thanh Giang/VNP
Women dancers of Me Linh Troupe at the festival. Photo: Tran Thanh Giang/VNP
Drum beats create a rhythmic atmosphere at the festival. Photo: Tran Thanh Giang/VNP
The festival is held in front of the statue of King Ly Thai To in Chi Linh Park. Photo: Tran Thanh Giang/VNP
A powerful dragon dance. Photo: Tran Thanh Giang/VNP
The performance of Chuong My Troupe wins first prize at the festival. Photo: Thong Hai/VNP
A beautiful pose. Photo: Photo: Thong Hai/VNP
A colourful dragon. Photo: Thong Hai/VNP
Performing on a Hanoi street. Photo: Thong Hai/VNP
The dragon dance festival is one of the activities to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Hanoi’s Liberation Day. Photo: Thong Hai/VNP
Quoc Oai Troupe with older dancers. Photo: Thong Hai/VNP
A dragon dance. Photo: Tran ThanhGiang/VNP