Music, dance and theatre
As in other Asian countries, Vietnam traditional music is not recorded in a written form but transmitted orally from generation to generation. Originating in a multi-national country, it is very rich in genres such as Quan ho (alternate song), Ca tru (declamation song), Hue song, Ho (chants), etc., and in instruments such as Dan bau (mono cord), Dan To-rung (made of bamboo tubes) and Dan da (litho phone), Khen (pan pipe), Dan moi (lip music instrument), Khen la (leaf clarinet), Meo flute, etc. In addition, Vietnamese traditional theatre has made its name for such forms as Roi Nuoc (water puppet show), Cheo (popular opera), Tuong (classical opera) and Cai luong (renovated theatre).
Each ethnic group has their own dances. They are being thoroughly studied and promoted by numerous local performing arts troupes whose fruitful operation contributes greatly to preservation and development of Vietnamese cultural traditions.
Introduced into Vietnam in the early 20th century, European music, musical instruments and genres were widely accepted and learnt by the youth. In particular, spoken drama (kich noi) became popular and widespread. In 1950’s – 1970’s, Vietnamese students were sent to Europe to study art. To date, Vietnam has set up a network of conservatories, schools of art, and symphony orchestras. Modern dance and music clubs, beauty contests and fashion shows are more and more frequented by people of all ages. |
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