With 26 years dedicated to professional dance, Meritorious Artist Lo Duc Tho, choreographer at the Provincial Music and Dance Theatre, has always tirelessly explored and created graceful, flowing folk dances that are rich in national identity, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.
A dance performance by the Provincial Song and Dance Theatre, choreographed by Meritorious Artist Duc Tho.
Born and raised in Muong Chien commune, a region rich in the unique cultural traditions of the Thai ethnic group in the riverine countryside, Meritorious Artist Lo Duc Tho chose the path of professional dance with burning passion. Meritorious Artist Duc Tho stated: "Folk dance art only truly comes alive when it preserves the 'essence' of the culture. Son La is home to many unique traditional dances. Each dance is a story, an expression of feelings and aspirations told through body language. Therefore, I always seek out the distinctive features of each ethnic group to incorporate into my works."
Meritorious Artist Lo Duc Tho (standing in the middle) choreographs the dance performance.
With his extensive experience in various roles, he always focuses on selecting the right actors for each dance piece, meticulously staging the performance, and paying attention to every movement, expression, and gesture. Many of his dance works have left a strong impression in major art programs, such as: "Precarious - Spring Night at the Love Market" (Hmong ethnic group); "Dance of My Village" (Khmu ethnic group); "Nam Tau, Sac Pieu" (Thai ethnic group)... Particularly noteworthy is the work "Noong Sao," a remarkable creation combining dance, music, and the folk singing of Thai artisans, vividly recreating the moonlit nights of couples in the mountainous region, leaving a lasting impression on the audience with its simple yet meaningful beauty.
Meritorious Artist Lo Duc Tho (on the right) choreographs the dance performance.
Under his choreography, folk dance art is not only preserved intact but also infused with new life, adapting and developing within the flow of contemporary art. Mr. Lo Van Thinh, Deputy Director of the Theater, assessed: Meritorious Artist Duc Tho has experience from performing, so when he transitioned to the role of choreographer, he created many works of high artistic quality. He is an example for young artists to learn from and continue to preserve and spread the beauty of folk dance art.