Shining on international stage
Fresh off their return from international circus festivals in Russia and Kazakhstan in late July, artists from the Vietnam Circus Federation wasted no time coming back to training in preparation for a series of performances to mark the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2. Notably, they will also take part in a grand parade, set to take place at historic Ba Dinh Square on the morning of the national holiday.
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Four artists receive the Special Prize for their performance “Lotus Swing” at the IDOL 2025 World Circus Arts Festival in Moscow, Russia. |
Sharing his joy over the recent awards won by Vietnamese performers at two major international circus events, People’s Artist Tong Toan Thang, Director of the Vietnam Circus Federation, said that what matters the most is that Vietnamese artists now perform abroad with confidence and pride. In terms of technique, creativity, stamina, and emotion, Vietnamese acts stand on equal footing with those from Russia, China, Hungary, and Argentina.
At the IDOL 2025 World Circus Arts Festival in Moscow, “Lotus Swing” was performed by four female artists, namely Pham Huong, Luu Huong, Hong Thuy, and Ngoc Thuy, who combined techniques with traditional music and costumes. The audience was captivated by their elegance and courage, describing the performers as "living lotus blossoms."
Shortly after, the federation’s team continued to showcase their talent at the 3rd International Circus Festival in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Vietnam was represented by the aerial duo act “Duo Love,” performed by Thanh Tuan and Thu Huong. Their emotionally charged and technically demanding routine earned them the Gold Medal, besting entries from countries with long-standing circus traditions.
One of the most jaw-dropping moments featured the two artists suspended in the mid-air by their teeth, simulating a kiss nearly 10 meters above ground without any safety harnesses. The finale stunned the entire jury when Thu Huong dangled by one leg while using her hair to hold Thanh Tuan, who spun in a teeth-hold position. This is an exceptionally rare technique, performed by only a handful of circus artists worldwide.
Notably, at this festival, People’s Artist Tong Toan Thang was honored to be invited to join the 11-member jury panel by the organizers.
Thang also shared that after their Gold Medal win, the Vietnamese duo was invited to stay and perform at a commemorative event in Kazakhstan. However, due to a tight rehearsal schedule for Vietnam’s National Day celebrations, they respectfully declined and returned home to perform for domestic audiences.
Popularizing Vietnam’s culture and art through circus
Between 2022 and 2025, the Vietnam Circus Federation has secured nine international medals. The achievement is a testament to the strong integration and rising status of Vietnamese circus on the global stage. Experts agree that most award-winning Vietnamese acts are deeply rooted in traditional culture.
People’s Artist Tong Toan Thang emphasized that circus is not just about physical feats, but also an art form that tells stories without words. That’s why Vietnamese artists avoid copying foreign performances. Instead, they craft original productions infused with Vietnamese identity.
Creating such performances requires a new generation of young Vietnamese artists who are fearless, resilient, and deeply committed to their craft. Believing in their own abilities, they are stepping confidently onto the world stage. Artists like Thu Huong, Thanh Tuan, Pham Huong, and Hong Thuy have already begun taking on roles as directors and choreographers. This marks a vital shift toward building a new generation of performers who not only excel in execution but also in shaping a distinct artistic language for Vietnamese circus, helping Vietnamese culture shine brightly on the global stage.
Translated by Tran Hoai