Imperial Court Dance

Accompanying the captivating melodies of Nhã Nhạc, the court music from the Trần dynasty to the Nguyễn dynasty in Vietnam, were the graceful and intricate dances of the Vietnamese Imperial court, known as court dances. While the existence of court dances predates the specific emergence of Nhã Nhạc, it is the form from the Nguyễn dynasty that has been meticulously preserved and designated as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Among the wide array of court dances, some of the most popular ones include the fan dance (vũ phiến), lantern dance (lục cúng hoa đăng), lotus dance (múa sen, múa bài bông), flag dance, platter dance (múa mâm), candle dance, incense dance, hat dance (múa nón), scarf dance, lion dance (múa lân), and ribbon dance.

These dances require exceptional skill, and the dancers adorn themselves in lavish costumes, adding to the visual splendor of their performances. Today, these court dances are typically showcased at festivals in Huế, known as múa cung đình Huế or court dances, as well as during other special occasions, often broadcasted on television, with the aim of promoting and preserving the traditional arts.

a traditional dance in Vietnam for special events, symbolizing peace, happiness, and prosperity

a genre of Vietnamese folk music originating from Bac Ninh province, is characterized by alternating groups of female and male singers engaging in musical challenges and responses

a traditional Vietnamese theatrical form that combines songs, dances, and dramatic actions, characterized by stylized gestures and the use of rhyme and storytelling techniques

a traditional stage performance originating in the northern countryside of Vietnam, encompasses the essence of folk ballads and proverbs

a captivating form of modern folk opera that originated in Southern Vietnam in the early 20th century and gained popularity during the 1930s as a theatre form embraced by the middle class during the French colonial era