In the past few decades, the research in Raglai culture has received more attention; however, there have still not any intensive work on the dances of this ethnic group. In late 2016, choreographer Van Hoc issued the first book on this subject, named "Raglai folk dance in Khanh Hoa", published by Writers' Association Publishing House.
In the past few decades, the research in Raglai culture has received more attention; however, there have still not any intensive work on the dances of this ethnic group. In late 2016, choreographer Van Hoc issued the first book on this subject, named “Raglai folk dance in Khanh Hoa”, published by Writers’ Association Publishing House.
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The book was compiled quite meticulously with profound information. Apart from the knowledge of history, residential geography, cultural life and festivals of the Raglai, choreographer Van Hoc provides deep introductions and analyses of many dances which are associated with the cultural activities of Raglai people in Khanh Hoa Province.
According to Hoc, nowadays, the Raglai in Khanh Hoa have still maintained 14 differential performances of “ma la” (traditional musical instrument of Raglai people). In his book, Hoc made a quite meticulous description of each dancing movement as well as the meaning of these movements and dances.
Reportedly, in order to compile the book, the author spent many days making fieldtrips to the Raglai’s villages where he studied the types of folk art presentation from Raglai artisans and watched live performances.
The research work of Van Hoc is written in narrative form; therefore, it can engage the interest of the readers and help them to visualize the dancing movements. Hoc also incorporated direct quotation into his writing, which partly makes the book to be less dry and more approachable.
One of the outstanding pieces of information given in this book is the connection and interference between the folk dances of Raglai people in Khanh Hoa with the ones of the other ethnic communities in the Highlands. The author not only provides information on the differences and similarities, happening as a result of history, among the folk dances of each ethnic group but also makes detailed analysis and comparison of these differences and similarities.
Additionally, Van Hoc also introduces some Raglai folk dance artists and presents some proposals for maintaining and upholding the values of this type of art.
It can be said that the research work of choreographer Van Hoc is a valuable book for people who want to learn culture of Raglai ethnic group.
Hoang Nhat Tuyen
Translated by H.N
