FAST FEET: Dancers Trần Hoàng Yến, Đỗ Hoàng Khang Ninh, Sùng A Lùng, and Đặng Minh Hiền (L to R) will perform in HBSO’s latest contemporary dance Hoàng Hôn (Sunset) created by Nguyễn Phúc Hải and Nguyễn Phúc Hùng. The dance will premiere at the HCM City Opera House on November 5. Photo courtesy of HBSO

HCM CITY – The HCM City Ballet Symphony Orchestra and Opera (HBSO) will present the premiere of Vietnamese contemporary dance Hoàng Hôn (Sunset) at the Opera House on November 5.

The work is written and directed by experienced choreographers Nguyễn Phúc Hải and Nguyễn Phúc Hùng, who have choreographed and performed many dance pieces such as Những Mảnh Ghép Của Giấc Mơ (Dream Puzzles), Chạm Tay Vào Quá Khứ (Touching the Past), Đi Qua Tình Yêu (Gone Through Love), and Ru Đêm (Night Lullaby).

Hoàng Hôn consists of three parts – hy vọng (hope), tình yêu (love) and ánh mắt hoàng hôn (sunset eyes) - reflecting people’s love, faith and loyalty during the war time.

“The dance piece tells stories of war, but not recreating its cruelty or sorrow. We just want to highlight beautiful tales about people and things," said Hải, head of the HBSO’s Ballet Department. "However, there is still pain behind the stories because war is not a joke.”

The work will be choreographed by Hùng together with Meritorious Artist Trần Hoàng Yến, one of the country’s leading dancers, and young dancers Sùng A Lùng, Đặng Minh Hiền and Đỗ Hoàng Khang Ninh.

The four of them will perform in the piece as well.

The dance’s music is written by veteran composer Vũ Việt Anh, who was musically trained in New Zealand.

Anh is popular among local music fans for pop songs such as Dòng Sông Lơ Đãng (Wandering River) and Đêm Nằm Mơ Phố (Dreaming of Town).

He is known for his instrumental works, including Spring Prayer Suite for orchestra and choir, Vô Đề Cầm (Untitled Instrument), Trường Sơn Suite, and Chân Trời (Horizon), which were highly regarded by critics and audiences.

He composed music for HBSO’s works such as the musical Dế Mèn Phiêu Lưu Ký (Adventure of a Cricket), and Ballet Kiều, which won top prizes at the 2021 National Dance and Music Festival in June.

The performance of contemporary dance Hoàng Hôn will begin at 8pm at 7 Lam Sơn Square in District 1. Tickets are available at the box office. — VNS