Quan Ho Swings.

HA NOI (VNS) — Circus artists and acrobats have brought home awards as their show, Du Quan Ho (Quan Ho Swings), won a gold medal at a recent circus festival in Italy.

According to the head of the Viet Nam Circus Federation, Vu Ngoan Hop, "The nation's soul and cultural difference is the key behind the success of the performance."

The circus act, known for its aerial sword balancing, was choreographed by renowned artist Tong Toan Thang and performed by principal circus professionals Bui Thu Huong and Vu Thanh Tuan.

The act incorporates the famous Vietnamese folk song Beo Dat May Troi – a Quan ho love duet singing of the northern delta – and traditional costumes. The artists spent one-and-a-half years rehearsing this act.

The event, from January 9-12, featured representatives from Spain, France, Cuba, Brazil, Ukraine, and Mongolia. Another Vietnamese entry was Du Nhen (Spider Web swing), which also received enthusiastic applause from the jury and audiences. The circus federation plans to stage the performances for local audiences on February 2. — VNS