HÀ NỘI — The neo-classic ballet Dó will be performed in Hà Nội on March 29 featuring a mix of western dancing and Vietnamese culture. 

The ballet is set to the music of Antonio Vivaldi's timeless masterpiece The Four Seasons with a reimagination by contemporary composer Max Richter.

Choreographed by Việt Nam National Opera and Ballet's dancer Phan Lương and choreographer Vũ Ngọc Khải, the performance will highlight a combination of ballet and Vietnamese dance.

"The ballet draws its origins from a deep love for the country, its people, and the rich layers of cultural heritage," said theatre director Trần Hương Na at the press conference in Văn Miếu Temple on Tuesday.

"Drawing on quintessentially Vietnamese symbols such as Chú Tễu, the fish trap, Thần Nông (Goddess of Agricultre) and the woven mat, the choreographers have refined these elements into a distinctive movement language.

 

"The production team seeks to create a refined, classically inspired piece that carries a distinct Vietnamese identity, allowing Dó on stage to evoke the essence of Vietnamese culture and spirit in a way that is at once recognizable and newly engaging."

Dó was earlier staged in May, 2024 through a collaboration between the European Union Delegation (EU) and Thanh Production. It received widespread acclaim from audiences, critics and members of the artistic community, according to EU ambassador to Việt Nam Julien Guerrier.

"Since then, I have received so many calls from diplomats, from Vietnamese authorities and from the artistic world to stage Dó again, to enable more people to see it," said Guerrier. 

"It's not just a remarkable artistic production, it's actually also a very special project and it's very dear to our hearts because it brings together the rich cultural traditions of both the European Union and Việt Nam."

In Dó, the dancers bring to life not only the changing seasons but also emotions, stories and symbols that resonate deeply with the soul and the cultural traditions of Việt Nam.

According to Hồ Anh Tuấn, Chairman of the Việt Nam Association for Business Culture Development, Dó is not merely a performance, but a means for Vietnamese culture to find its voice within the global language of the arts, telling its own story to the world through its distinct cultural identity.

 

Tuấn said: "At a time when Resolution 80 is steering Việt Nam toward making cultural industries a new pillar of growth, Dó illustrates how culture can be reimagined through a modern lens, structured along industrial lines and positioned for global integration.

"The production suggests that, under enabling conditions, Vietnamese culture can expand internationally on its own strengths. As a source of national soft power, culture calls for greater corporate engagement not only in wealth creation but also in fostering and spreading cultural values. In this regard, Dó is a clear and dynamic case in point."

Dó ballet will take to the stage at Hồ Gươm Opera House at 8pm. — VNS