Performing Arts Programs
We believe our youth have the opportunity to reimagine their stories and those of their communities through the mentorship of Vietnamese and Asian Americans in the arts, expand performing arts in conjunction with language learning, and widen individual’s cultural lens to educate others about the cultural diversity of the Asian American diaspora. We aim to uplift youth in becoming their own experts in storytelling from their lived experiences while developing teaching and performing skills to foster and preserve cultural traditions and language.
Traditional & Hip-Hop Dance
Our dance programs offer opportunities to engage with Vietnamese cultural performance and dance through learning traditional forms and modern day hip-hop. Students work with Asian American cultural performers and university student groups to learn choreography, movements, and techniques. Works choreographed by students and teachers are showcased at our annual Lunar New Year celebration.
Lion Dance
Lion dance (múa lân) is a form of traditional dance in Vietnamese and other Asian cultures. Performers mimic a lion's movements in colorful lion costumes to bring good luck, fortune, and prosperity along with ward off evil spirits. The lion dance is performed at our Lunar New Year Festival each year.
Students can join our local Minnesota múa lân groups to learn lion dance artistry, drumming, and performance such as the dynamic and synchronized movements coordinated between two dancers.
There are many opportunities to engage with Vietnamese arts and performance with the Minnesota Vietnamese Language School. From traditional dance to hip-hop dance, you can find new creative routes to explore Vietnamese culture and roots.