Dao women perform bell dances
For the Dao, the bell dance is a core ritual performed during important ceremonies such as the Tet Nhay (New Year Dance, a ceremony giving thanks to ancestors and Ban Vuong – the forefather of the Dao), Lap Tinh (the coming-of-age or "cap sac" ceremony where adults receive their ritual names), tomb visits, funerals, and prayers for good harvests.
According to Mr. Ban Xuan Dong, Head of the Dao Tien Club in Yen Nguyen commune (Chiem Hoa district), the bell dance holds a sacred place in the spiritual life of the Dao Tien people. Therefore, all club members are trained in this traditional dance. Typically performed by six or eight dancers, the bell dance is accompanied by ethnic musical instruments, creating a solemn and vibrant atmosphere. Performing the bell dance at the beginning of the year symbolizes a wish for bountiful harvests, while year-end performances are a form of gratitude to ancestors and the deities for favorable weather and prosperity throughout the year.
A distinctive feature of the dance is the small bronze bell with a handle, the main prop used by the dancers. The rhythmic sound of the bell, coupled with the dynamic movement of the red tassel attached to its handle, adds vitality and visual beauty to the performance, reflecting the Dao people's joy and optimism. As a result, the bell dance is indispensable during Dao festivals, Tet celebrations, and early spring festivities.
In addition to preserving their language and traditional costumes, the Dao community places great emphasis on passing down the bell dance to younger generations. Dang Thi Ha, a member of the cultural troupe in Khau Trang village, Hong Thai commune (Na Hang district), shared that she had learned about her ethnic dances, including the bell dance, since she was a student. “At first, it was difficult,” she said, “but thanks to the teaching of elders, I grew to love and take pride in wearing our traditional costume and performing the bell dance.” Today, many young people in her village actively learn the bell dance. While traditionally only young men perform the bell dance during sacred rituals like the coming-of-age ceremony, in festivals and cultural performances, both boys and girls participate.
As the new spring comes, Dao youths eagerly prepare their finest traditional costumes to participate in cultural events, proudly performing the bell dance. Each performance is a heartfelt contribution to preserving and promoting the rich cultural identity of the Dao people.
Nguyen Thanh Hieu
