Artisan longs for preserving folk dance

Xuan Pha is a traditional dance in Xuan Truong commune, Tho Xuan district, Thanh Hoa province, which has been handed down through many generations (Photo: VNA)

One part of the dance consists of rituals worshipping the village god, Dai Hai Long Vuong, a meritorious official of the Dinh and Tien Le dynasties in the 10th century (Photo: VNA)

In the past, the Xuan Pha dance called for the participation of residents from five villages, each in charge of one of the dances (Photo: VNA)

There are five dances: Chiem Thanh, Hoa Lang, Tu Huan, Ai Lao and Ngo Quoc (Photo: VNA)

Performers of Xuan Pha dance wear painted masks and don strange costumes (Photo: VNA)

They sing and dance, and sometimes howl, causing viewers to feel as if they are in some kind of wonderland (Photo: VNA)

Xuan Pha dance is held on the 10th and 12th days of the second month of the lunar calendar (Photo: VNA)

Photo: VNA

Artisan Bui Van Hung in Xuan Truong commune, Tho Xuan district, Thanh Hoa province has dedicated his whole life to Xuan Pha folk dances (Photo: VNA)

He often spends time sketching illustrations of dance moves for young dancers (Photo: VNA)

Artisan Hung and a carpenter carve masks for Xuan Pha dances (Photo: VNA)

Bui Van Hung teaches signature Xuan Pha dance moves to pupils in Xuan Truong commune (Photo: VNA)

The artisan and local dance troupe in special costumes of Tu Huan dance (one of five Xuan Pha dances) (Photo: VNA)

The artisan often hits a drum in rehearsals and performances to ensure performers sway to the beat (Photo: VNA)

Artisan Bui Van Hung helps artists with costumes before performing Ngo Quoc dance in 2018 Lam Kinh festival (Photo: VNA)

The artisan and local dance troupe rehearse before performing on stage in 2018 Lam Kinh festival (Photo: VNA)