Tay Ninh folk cultural heritage - identity and tourism potential

Chhay dam drum dance and Khmer dance
performance combine unique

Don ca tai tu in the South, Chhay dam drum dance, Khmer dance ... are folk cultural heritages with a very distinct identity of Tay Ninh, with great potential to spread and develop when combined with tourism.

The art of Don Ca Tai Tu has existed for hundreds of years and has penetrated deeply into the lives of people in the South. What makes Don Ca Tai Tu famous is its simplicity, elegance and closeness. The pliers, storks, zithers and lutes combine to create an unmistakable quartet sound. This particular type of folk performance is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

On the occasion of April 30, Tay Ninh Museum collaborated with the Provincial Cultural Center and Tay Ninh Sun Joint Stock Company to organize an exhibition and performance of Southern Don Ca Tai Tu, Chhay Dam drum dance and Khmer ethnic dance right on the top of the mountain.

Talking about Chhay Dam drum dance, people immediately think of images of Chol Chnam Thmay festival, Ok Om Bok festival, Sen Dolta festival, worshiping, welcoming gods or in community activities of Khmer people. Particularly, the Chhay Dam drum dance in Truong Tay commune, Hoa Thanh town brought a separate identity and raised it to a higher level when it was recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as a national intangible cultural heritage in December 2014.

According to research documents, the art of drum dancing Chhay dam is a form of folk performance, formed during the labor process, handed down in folklore, but the works have no author (anonymous) and no copy. notation spectrum, but the dance is still handed down by people. Nowadays, Chhay dam drum dance is performed at ethnic cultural houses, in festivals of the Khmer people, Dien Tri Palace of Cao Dai Tay Ninh Holy See, in festivals, contests and performances. .

Since childhood, Cao Van Tha Ni has practiced Chhay dam drums. “At first, the practice was very frustrating because I had to practice drumming with my knees and elbows, and then I rolled my arms and legs. Thanks to the teachers who always find ways to encourage and inspire me, I am determined to learn the drum dance of my nation," said Tha Ni. In the days when she could hold drums and dance to perform on Ba Den Mountain to serve thousands of tourists from all over the world, Tha Ni could not hide her pride because "the dance of her nation is respected and praised by everyone".

Chhay dam drum dance is a group dance. The Chhay Dam drum dance has only one song, but the artist can create more rhythms for a more unique dance, with a maximum duration of about 20 minutes. The drum sounded, everyone who heard it was also bustling, hungover with an indescribable excitement.

The special thing is in the dance of Chhay dam drums according to martial arts such as down tons, tumbling, flipping, drumming, duels, each move is decisively strong. Because of the strong and decisive movements, the drum team members are all male. The most difficult thing for artists performing drum dance is that the combination of typing and dancing must be rhythmic and accurate.

When beating drums with hands, elbows, and heels in combination with somersaults, it is still necessary to ensure that the sound is resonant, without loss of voice, without limiting the emotions and excitement of the listeners. During acrobatics, the artist must hold the drum tightly to his body, not letting the drum touch the stage, and not make the sound of the trunk. Performers always have to be highly focused when beating the drums and doing somersaults while still keeping the rhythm for the whole team.

Khmer dance in the melodious pentatonic music of the Khmer people is still the unique culture of Tay Ninh. Not everyone is lucky enough to be able to come to Tay Ninh on the occasion of the Khmer festival to admire and listen to.

Chhay dam drum dancers

From the bustling dance of young girls wearing colorful sampot to the skillful dancers in the powerful, flexible and beautiful Chhay dam drum dance, the sounds range from deep to high, sometimes sweet at times. melodious from traditional Khmer five-syllable music… brings a unique festive atmosphere.

Chhay dam drum dance moves according to martial arts such as down tons, acrobatics, somersaults, drumming, duels, each move is decisively strong.

Khmer girl Tran Phuong Duyen proudly said: “The traditional dance has long been infiltrated in the blood of every Khmer people. I am very proud to be able to perform and bring the traditional dance of my nation to the public.”

*Writer: Tuong Linh
*Source: Tay Ninh newspaper online - baotayninh.vn - Posted on 20/5/2022
*Key word: Tay Ninh,Folk cultural heritage,tourism potential,