Công Dung Ngôn Hạnh: A Dance of Identity and Growth

As a Vietnamese student performing in the United States, Công Dung Ngôn Hạnh is more than just a solo for me. It is a way to show who I am and where I come from. Choreographed by Me and Mr. Nguyễn Hữu Thuận with music by Tiny Giant, this piece lets me share my culture on an international stage through dance.

The dance is based on the Four Virtues in Vietnamese culture Công skill Dung grace Ngôn speech and Hạnh morality. These values used to describe the ideal Vietnamese woman. In my performance, I try to bring these ideas into a more modern perspective, showing both tradition and how women are changing today.

I use the nón lá and áo dài to represent Vietnamese culture. They symbolize femininity, elegance, and strength. The nón lá is not just a prop. It becomes part of my movement and helps me express more. It also challenges my control and coordination because I have to move with it precisely.

The choreography combines traditional Vietnamese dance with contemporary movement. There are soft and fluid arm movements, detailed wrist work, and grounded steps, mixed with changes in speed, levels, and space. One of the biggest challenges for me was performing with music that does not have a clear beat, but instead uses sounds like rain and echoes. This helped me improve my musicality and interpretation.

This piece also helped me grow emotionally as a performer. At first, I focused mostly on doing the movements correctly. Over time, I learned how to connect with the meaning behind them. By using breath, focus, and facial expression, I was able to tell a deeper story. I also started to see the nón lá and áo dài as part of my identity, not just costume.

This dance means a lot to me because it allows me to represent my culture, especially at big competitions like DTU and ADA. It feels important to share where I’m from with different audiences and be proud of it.

Through this piece, I have grown both technically and artistically. It represents my culture, my identity, and my journey as a dancer.