Story: Huong Quynh
Photos: Thuan Vo

When spring arrives, lion-cat dances are a symbol of hope and happiness for Tay and Nung people in Lang Son province. These performances are an integral part of their spring festival celebrations.

Lion-cat dances draw big crowds

With the arrival of spring, a festive atmosphere spreads through Vietnam’s highland villages. Singing and dancing are essential aspects of community life in the highlands. In Lang Son, the lion-cat dance is an important cultural tradition for Tay and Nung people, especially during their Lunar New Year festivities.

The lion-cat dance is a unique form of folk art that incorporates various elements, including music, dance, martial arts, mask-making, and costume design. In the early spring, one can witness this artform in many districts of Lang Son province, including Cao Loc, Loc Binh, Van Lang, Van Quan, Binh Gia, and Trang Dinh. The Tay and Nung people consider the lion-cat a sacred creature that embodies the strength of the king of the jungle and the agility and intelligence of domesticated cats. The soul of the dance lies in the meticulously crafted and decorated lion-cat masks. Fortunately, these lion-cat heads are still handmade by skillful elderly folk artisans. This expertise has been handed down over many generations. The cat-lion totem masks are large, sturdy, and eye-catching, with vivid colors such as red, black, blue, and yellow. They embody bravery, majesty, and agility. Lion-cat masks always have painted and decorative details that create a fierce appearance.

A young member of a lion-cat dance troupe

The dancers skillfully maneuver the lion-cat headpiece on their heads, with a connected costume that extends to their heels. Before the performance, the team, comprising eight to 16 members, conducts a ritual to seek permission for their presentation from the village head and the God of the Earth. As the gongs and drums resound, the lion-cat dancers execute graceful movements, blending dance with martial arts. The team leaps high and low, twirls around, and performs captivating martial arts routines, eliciting continuous applause and cheers from the audience. Some movements are difficult and perilous, such as jumping through rings of fire or over blades, requiring synchronized coordination, decisive movements, and the performers’ bravery and courage. Typically, a performance lasts about seven minutes but it requires  participants to train and practice regularly, so as to build up their strength, master the skills, and achieve a captivating stage presence.

As well as being a communal activity imbued with martial spirit in the highland villages of Lang Son province, the lion-cat dance holds a deeper meaning: wherever the dance troupe steps, happiness and abundance follow. The sound of drums and gongs, along with the vigorous dance moves and martial poses, are believed to drive away evil spirits and misfortune. The lion-cat, as a totem, is thought to protect the villages, allowing the inhabitants to farm and make crafts in peace, thus building a prosperous and thriving life.

The handmade masks feature intricate patterns and bright colors

Through their traditional dance, Tay and Nung people in Lang Son have spread their aspirations for a warm and joyful life beyond the boundaries of their villages. Today, this dance is showcased and performed in various community events, becoming a highlight to promote the culture and tourism of Lang Son province. Older generations of artisans are passing on the art of making lion-cat heads, and teaching the dance routines and martial techniques. As a result, more young people are joining performance troupes and continuing this legacy during festivals and other events.