Luong Tan Hang started practicing the basic movements of the dance when he was a ten year-old boy. At the age of 20, he established his own troupe, called Hang Anh Duong, and then developed it into a professional one. In 2005, his troupe was invited to perform in Beijing in an exchange program. The style of the dance together with eye-catching movements performed by his troupe left a long-lasting impression on the audience in China.
In 2010, the troupe had a chance to attend the Japanese traditional unicorn dance festival where Hang and his students performed the item of “Tu quy lan, su tu hi cau, lan len mai hoa thung” which won admiration from artists of other troupes.
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The art of lion-unicorn-dragon dance is very popular in Asian countries. However, each country has an idiosyncratic performance, showing their culture. Therefore, each trip to perform in China and Japan provided Hang an opportunity to learn more about international competing rules with the techniques of other troupes. To show the audience professional performances, Hang established a company so all members of his troupe can concentrate on the art.
To meet the changing tastes of each audience, Hang has spent much time and efforts to create interesting and alluring performances that convey national cultural features. His performances, like tu lan, song tu hy cau, lan len mai hao thung, song su bao hy and lan di ca kheo, always fascinate the audience.
In 2015, his troupe participated in Kun Seng Keng Lion-Unicorn-Dragon Dance Festival held annually in Malaysia by the International Lion-Unicorn-Dragon Dance Association. It was a chance for Hang Anh Duong to compete against strong rivals. In the same year, the troupe joined the international association, marking a milestone in its development. Since then, the troupe is able to participate in the world arena.
Nguyen Thi Kim Hop, who is responsible for managing the dance in Ho Chi Minh City, said, “Luong Tan Hang has coordinated courses on training troupes and coaches, contributing to the increase in quality of the performances”.
With his great contribution to the dance, Luong Tan Hang was awarded the title of folk artisan in 2007 and Emeritus artist in 2015.
In 2010, the troupe had a chance to attend the Japanese traditional unicorn dance festival where Hang and his students performed the item of “Tu quy lan, su tu hi cau, lan len mai hoa thung” which won admiration from artists of other troupes.
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 Folk artisan Luong Tan Hang, head of Hang Anh Duong Lion-Unicorn-Dragon Dance Troupe in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Nguyen Luan  A piece staged by Luong Tan Hang is performed by members of Hang Anh Duong Troupe. Photo: Nguyen Luan  The “Festival Drum” piece performed by Hang Anh Duong Troupe at the Lion-Unicorn-Dragon Festival in District 11, 2015. Photo: Nguyen Luan  Artisan Luong Tan Hang and his students during a trip to China. Photo: File |
The art of lion-unicorn-dragon dance is very popular in Asian countries. However, each country has an idiosyncratic performance, showing their culture. Therefore, each trip to perform in China and Japan provided Hang an opportunity to learn more about international competing rules with the techniques of other troupes. To show the audience professional performances, Hang established a company so all members of his troupe can concentrate on the art.
To meet the changing tastes of each audience, Hang has spent much time and efforts to create interesting and alluring performances that convey national cultural features. His performances, like tu lan, song tu hy cau, lan len mai hao thung, song su bao hy and lan di ca kheo, always fascinate the audience.
In 2015, his troupe participated in Kun Seng Keng Lion-Unicorn-Dragon Dance Festival held annually in Malaysia by the International Lion-Unicorn-Dragon Dance Association. It was a chance for Hang Anh Duong to compete against strong rivals. In the same year, the troupe joined the international association, marking a milestone in its development. Since then, the troupe is able to participate in the world arena.
Nguyen Thi Kim Hop, who is responsible for managing the dance in Ho Chi Minh City, said, “Luong Tan Hang has coordinated courses on training troupes and coaches, contributing to the increase in quality of the performances”.
 Lion and dragon heads with beautiful patterns. Photo: Nguyen Luan  “Lan len mai hoa thung”, the most common piece performed by Hang Anh Duong Troupe. Photo: Nguyen Luan  “Lan di ca kheo” is performed by Hang Anh Duong Troupe at a street festival in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Nguyen Luan  The “Su tu hi cau” piece by Hang Anh Duong Troupe. Photo: Nguyen Luan  Artisan Luong Tan Hang helps his students at a performance. Photo: Nguyen Luan  Costumes for members of Hang Anh Duong Troupe. Photo: Nguyen Luan  A young member of Hang Anh Duong Troupe. Photo: Nguyen Luan |
With his great contribution to the dance, Luong Tan Hang was awarded the title of folk artisan in 2007 and Emeritus artist in 2015.
Story: Son Nghia - Photos: Nguyen Luan & Files
