The first competition for choreographers featuring modern performances that have been influenced by traditional dances from Viet Nam's ethnic groups just wrapped up. According to the organising board, the entries were deemed not traditional enough because the dancers did not demonstrate the characteristics that are associated with the folklore of ethnic minorities. Many dances were even influenced by styles and gestures from Europe, America, China and Australia. People's Artist Ung Duy Thinh, head of the Viet Nam Dancers' Association's Choreography Department, shares his opinions about the event. Could you talk in detail about foreign dances that influenced the choreographers that were competing at the event?
This problem should be seriously considered, both qualitatively and scientifically. A foreign-influenced dance reveals that a choreographer misunderstands the respective ethnic group's culture. It illustrates that the choreographer copied features he found from the respective ethnic group and inserted it into his dance. Consequently, when the dance is performed in front of an audience from the respective ethnic group, they will not be able to understand it. The music used with these performances was not congruent with the dancing, which is unacceptable.
I think that professional Vietnamese choreographers should consider this matter seriously.
This is not a competition about folk compositions or traditional dancing. The competition is supposed to feature modern dances that are influenced by the traditional culture of ethnic groups. That's why we cannot ignore the creative choices of the choreographers. The audience should still be able to identify which ethnic group the dancers are trying to imitate when they perform their routines.
Can you describe a specific case?
We have discussed what happened in a proper professional atmosphere. The association's leading officials have discussed the matter with the composers and analysed the shortcomings of the dances. I think this is a useful professional activity for the association to participate in.
What do you think about the dances from ethnic groups that have been performed at various festivals throughout the country recently?
In my opinion, these dances have many shortcomings concerning the music, costumes and gestures... the choreographers have just created an atmosphere rather than faithfully portraying the ethnic groups' cultural practices.
Does this problem affect Viet Nam's dance culture?
It affects the dance sector. Solving the problem will involve more than just working with the association and professional dancers. Festivals, which feature ethnic art performances, are out of our control.
Many events were organised by PR companies that signed contracts with the localities hosting the events. The companies were also responsible for hiring choreographers to compose and organise the dances.
The association has launched the first ethnic dance competition in Viet Nam in many years. Why did the association need so much time to organise it?
Ethnic dances require a long time to compose and organise. Besides, all of the performances required a large number of dancers. I have to admit that folk dancing and modern dancing that is influenced by traditional culture are both challenging genres to work with. Both of these genres are integral to Viet Nam's dance culture.
We want to confirm the value of ethnic performances and discover new values that are present in this art.
Did you expect more from this competition?
The competition brought together young choreographers, which gave me and other judges a fresh perspective on the direction that the art form is taking.
The competition featured choreographers from throughout the country.
The choreographers' strong points lie in their desire to create performances that have the breath of modernity in them, yet still maintain the ethnic identity of the group they are trying to represent. — VNS