Myanmar holds national traditional performing arts competition

Myanmar National Traditional Performing Arts Competition kicked off here Tuesday, aimed at preserving and safeguarding the country's cultural heritage and national character.

The 22nd competition of its kind, which is the first time under the new government, is participated by 1,766 contestants across the country.

The competition is categorized as from basic level to professional level.

The contestants were selected from regions and states after holding the preliminary contests.

Myanmar Vice- President U Henry Van Thio, Minister for Religious Affairs and Culture Thura U Aung Ko who is also the chairman of the committee for holding the event, two speakers of the parliaments and other government officials attended the opening ceremony.

Thura U Aung Ko said that Rakhine dance and Kayin Don dance are added as ethnic performing arts to this year's competitions.

The Kayin ethnic Don Dance is seen in Kayin and Mon states, Ayeyarwady, Bago and Yangon regions, while Rakhine ethnic dance is popular in Rakhine state, western Myanmar, especially the Rakhine candle light dance which is performed by ladies, holding candle lights and moving gently.

Myanmar has held the traditional cultural performing arts competitions annually since 1993. The nearly two-decade-old competition has gradually developed both in content and essence with experience.

The competitions were yearly participated by thousands of youth contestants, including contests of song, dance, composition, music and play at different stages such as professional, amateur, higher education and basic education levels. Endit