HCMCity (VNA) - As many as 37 professional troupes are competing inthe HCM City Open Unicorn-Lion-Dragon Dance Championship being held duringweekends at Dam Sen Park in District 11.

Thereare 21 from HCM City, including Hang Anh Duong, Hao Quang Duong, Lien Huu, HaoDung Duong, Tinh Vo and Gia Dinh, and 16 from the provinces of Ninh Thuan, BinhThuan, Dong Thap, Dong Nai, Binh Duong, An Giang, and Vinh Long.

Theperformances are judged based on rules and regulations created by theInternational Dragon and Lion Dance Federation in 2011, Luong Tan Hang, thecontest’s artistic adviser, said.

Thecompetition provides a good opportunity for participating troupes, particularlyyoung ones, to master the international standard rating system, he said.

Teamscomplying with the rules can get high scores, he said.

Theevent also helps preserve Vietnamese traditional culture, he said.

TuTrong Thanh, head of the An Giang province troupe, said his team is taking partto get more exposure and learn from strong rivals.

Thetroupe, established six years ago, is still young compared to the others, hesaid.

Theinternational rules are very strict, but it is good for professional troupes tomaster them so that they can vie for international titles, he added.

Thecompetition that began on December 10 is aimed at offering professional troupesan opportunity to exchange skills as well as entertain locals during theoccasion of New Year.

NguyenTieu Linh of District 11 said her son loves to see dragon and lion dances.

“Thecompetition taking place in Dam Sen Park is very convenient for families duringweekends.”

Shehoped it would be organised regularly so that locals could get the chance toenjoy such beautiful shows.

NguyenHung, deputy director of the city’s Department of Culture and Sports, said thecity’s lion, dragon and unicorn dance teams should get more practice andacquire essential skills to take part in international competitions.

Youngtalented performers are set to be chosen from the competition and taken intothe city’s lion, dragon and unicorn dance team to represent it in national andinternational competitions.

Thecontest, organised by the city Department of Culture and Sports and Dam SenPark, ends on December 31.

Winningteams will perform during the New Year celebrations at Dam Sen Park on thenight of January 1.-VNA