A Vietnamese Bellydance team achieved three 1st prizes at the Asia Global Bellydance 2011 Competition held in Singapore.

The Vietnamese Bellydance team won three cups at Asia Global Bellydance 2011

Dancer Hong Hanh led the Sadie team from the northern city of Haiphong in the contest.

The team’s performances at the competition included “Vietnam - the hidden charm” which portrayed Vietnamese traditions through the image of lotus combined with a Tribal Fusion bellydance style.

Hong Hanh shared, “This is the first time the team has taken part in an international contest. The group performance allowed us to promote the image of the lotus, Ao dai and conical hat into the dance. We want to promote Vietnamese beauty, the hidden charm.”

All the costumes worn in the competition were designed by Hong Hanh. Hanh also disclosed that she also designed the dresses for the Bellydance groups that performed at the Ha Long Carnival Festival in April this year.

The Asia Global Bellydance Competition took place on July 29-31, attracting contestants from across the Asia-Pacific region.

Bellydance needs promoting

Speaking with Dantri/DTiNews, Hong Hanh said Vietnam’s Bellydance scene has gained a reputation for difficult dances with good technique. Performances often take prizes for their sophisticated choreography and best costumes.

Bellydance has become increasingly popular in Vietnam, but Hanh was disappointed that the dance still lacked official recognition.

“I hope that Bellydance will become an official artistic dance sport. The country should organise Bellydance contests so that young talents can have more opportunities to shine,” the dancer said.

She added that she will lead the Sadie group to take part in more international contests in the future.

Hong Hanh has won a range of international prizes, including the best technique prize at the Asia-Pacific Open (International) Oriental Competition held in Taiwan in 2009; and the Asia Silver Cup and Grand Dancer 2010 in the Asia-Pacific region at the Asia Bellydance Competition 2010 in China.

The Vietnamese Bellydance team

Hong Hanh at an international Bellydance contest

Hong Hanh also received the prize Super Idol at Global Bellydance Competition 2011