On the evening of 8/3, Yang Liping and her dance troupe concluded their four sold-out performances in Hanoi, marking her first tour in Vietnam. For three hours, spectators watched in silence as each scene of the dance drama unfolded. Whenever the dancers executed difficult movements requiring skill and coordination, many could not hide their excitement, exclaiming "So beautiful" and "So good."

In the final act, Yang Liping's appearance ignited thunderous applause throughout the hall. The ovation continued as she recreated the image of a peacock dancing amidst light and a snowstorm. Witnessing the artist's grace and flexibility, Khanh An, 27, from Hanoi, exclaimed, "I can't believe she's 68 years old."

At nearly 11 PM, after the performance ended, audiences remained in their seats, waiting for the dancers' curtain call. Each artist then faced the audience, performing characteristic movements associated with their characters.

Yang Liping portrays a peacock dancing in the snow. *Photo courtesy of the organizers*.

Dance artists Dang Hung, Vuong Linh, and their daughter Linh Nga flew from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi to see their family's idol "in the flesh." Vuong Linh had researched and performed Yang Liping's peacock dance since 1992. Later, Dang Hung and Linh Nga also learned some pieces choreographed by Yang Liping. Linh Nga herself has a piece called "Gazing at Myself Under the Moon," which she has performed both domestically and internationally.

According to artist Dang Hung, Yang Liping developed the peacock dance into a multi-layered dance drama. He remarked, "'The Peacock' showcases peak ethnic dance technique while remaining pleasant, gentle, and captivating. The team applied modern sound and lighting technology to create many unique effects. Even non-professionals could appreciate the beauty and artistry of the performance."

Dang Hung particularly enjoyed Yang Liping and the ensemble's curtain call, considering it a captivating, independent work. Yang Liping's talent was also evident in her staging and choreography. While the lead dancers displayed outstanding technique, the supporting dancers, though not yet at the level of some central troupes, were skillfully arranged and mutually supportive. They also showcased their strengths in performing ethnic minority dances from Yunnan, China, the artist's hometown.

Yang Liping (left) and Duong Ham (as the male peacock). *Photo courtesy of the organizers*.

The four performances from 6/3 to 8/3 at Ho Guom Theater were sold out, attracting over 3,000 audience members of various ages. MC Bach Duong, one of the attendees, appreciated the message of reincarnation in the performance and was impressed by the opening line: "Time only exists when we do."

Yang Liping's "The Peacock" is deeply imbued with East Asian philosophy about life's cycle, the circle of "birth, aging, sickness, death." The show opened with sounds of nature, such as birds calling their flock and distant echoes of forest animals, transporting the audience to a pristine forest. Without elaborate grand scenes, the work captivated viewers through the subtlety of each body movement, lighting, and evocative space.

One segment that captivated audiences was the appearance of the peacock flock. Dancers formed layers of bird wings, moving rhythmically like a living organism. Duets and solos vividly depicted peacocks calling mates, displaying beauty during breeding season, and showcasing skillful dance techniques.

The team invested in costumes, props, and lighting, varying them through each section. The Spring act created a warm atmosphere as all things proliferated. Summer was a vibrant festival season. Autumn shifted to somber tones, speaking of decay. Winter opened up an ethereal space, imbued with spiritual colors.

A scene of peacocks following each other in the dance. *Photo courtesy of the organizers*.

Beyond Yang Liping, other performers left their mark, including those playing the male peacock, female peacock, black crow, deities, and Time. Pham Canh Nguyet, as Time, appeared hauntingly on a platform next to a tree stump. She continuously spun for three hours, sometimes fast, sometimes slow, but never stopping, symbolizing the flow of time. When the dancers took a 15-minute break, Canh Nguyet continued to spin.

Dancer Duong Ham, as the male peacock, made an impression in the autumn act. Against a piano melody, the character gradually shed its last feathers before dying. Without the support of elaborate costumes, the dancer still captivated attention with graceful movements, demonstrating the highest level of physical liberation.

Before coming to Vietnam, Yang Liping had toured with her team for hundreds of performances at many large and small venues in China and other countries. Born in 1968, she gained international acclaim in the dance world with her peacock dance. QQ rated her as the most accomplished artist in China's ethnic dance field. For the past 10 years, Yang Liping has performed less, retreating to work backstage, teach, and train new generations. Besides dance, Yang Liping also acted in films, with her notable role as Mei Chaofeng in "The Legend of the Condor Heroes 2003."

Ha Thu