A large crowd of locals and tourists came to watch and cheer on the Thai Xoe dance performance.

The Thai Xoe dance performance took place in Northwest Square.

Xoe Thai dance – a form of folk dance – has been recognized by UNESCO as a Representative Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. No one knows exactly when the Xoe dance originated, but it is known that since ancient times, the Thai people have had a saying: "Without Xoe, there is no joy; without Xoe, the rice plants will not bloom; without Xoe, the corn will not bear ears; without Xoe, boys and girls will not become couples." Therefore, no celebration or festival of the Thai people is without Xoe dances, whether it's a small family gathering or a major village or local festival.

Military personnel participate in the Thai dance performance competition of Quyet Thang ward.

Throughout history, from ancient xòe dances, folk artists have developed up to 32 xòe dances reflecting daily life activities, such as: "Xe cup" - hat dance, "Xe tang chai" - bottle dance, "Xe kep phac" - vegetable picking, "Xe cap" - bamboo pole dance... The realities of life and the dreams and aspirations for a peaceful, prosperous, and happy life have been vividly and subtly expressed in each xòe dance.

The bauhinia flowers added a special touch to the performance.

The children participated in the traditional Vietnamese dance competition.

Through generations, the Xoe dance has been preserved and developed. It not only appears during traditional festivals but is also performed at major cultural events, exchange programs, and local tourism promotion activities. The city of Son La focuses on preserving, conserving, and promoting the value of the Thai Xoe dance. Based on six traditional Xoe dances – “Kham Khan Moi Lau” (raising the scarf to offer wine); “Pha Xi” (dividing into four); “Don Hon” (advancing and retreating); “Nhom Khan” (throwing the scarf); “Om Lom Top Mu” (circle clapping); and “Kham Khen” (holding hands) – the competing teams will perform creative Xoe dances.

A large crowd of people came to watch and cheer on the Thai dance performance.

In this year's Xoe dance competition, 12 communes and wards presented elaborate performances, rich in tradition yet equally creative. Each performance was a story told through the sounds of drums and gongs, the lively music, the graceful movements of the hands, the unhurried footwork, the radiant smiles, and the vibrant traditional costumes of the folk artists and amateur performers.

The Piêu scarf and the bauhinia flower are used as the main props for the Xòe dance performance.

A special feature of this year's competition is that, in addition to judging the six traditional Xoe dances based on creativity, performance art, and appropriate costumes and makeup, the organizers will award high marks to teams that combine multiple generations and groups, such as soldiers, civil servants, teachers, students, and even elderly people, all participating in the lively Xoe dances. This demonstrates a spirit of community cohesion, close ties between the military and civilians, and provides an opportunity for the younger generation to learn about, preserve, and make Thai Xoe dance a shared cultural feature for all social classes.

The graceful Thai girls perform the Thai Xoe dance.

Mr. Deo Van Phong, Chairman of the People's Committee of Quyet Thang Ward, shared: "After more than half a month, over 80 members, including amateur performers from village art troupes, schools, and military forces stationed in the area, have diligently practiced, striving to combine traditional Xoe dance with new creative elements. This year, we used flowers and bauhinia petals to add more emphasis to the dance. The competition is also an opportunity for communes and wards to exchange ideas, learn from each other, and promote creativity in preserving ethnic culture."

Joining in the vibrant activities of the Hoa Ban Festival, this year's Thai Xoe dance performance was enthusiastically watched by the audience due to its rich variety of acts. Many tourists had the opportunity to witness the dazzling circle dances firsthand, feel the lively atmosphere, and immerse themselves in this unique culture.

This is the performance segment of the Thai Xoe dance from Chieng Le ward.

Ms. Nguyen Hang Nga, a tourist from Ninh Binh province, shared: "I was truly impressed by the activities at the Son La City Ban Flower Festival. Before, I only knew about the Xoe dance through television, but seeing it live, I was really impressed. The large circles, cheerful music, and lively atmosphere made me clearly feel the strong sense of community here. The atmosphere of the competition was vibrant, and everyone was eager to participate. This is a great way to preserve and promote the national cultural identity."

Mr. Tran Cong Chinh, Vice Chairman of the City People's Committee, said: "The Thai Xoe dance performance competition is not only a cultural playground but also an opportunity for generations of Thai ethnic people to express their pride and responsibility in preserving their ethnic identity. The circle dances not only connect hands but also connect the emotions and spirit of the community. The participating teams have made thorough preparations, investing in and being creative in their staging, costumes, and props. Not only have they preserved the essence of the Thai Xoe dance, but the communes and wards have also presented new and creative ways of performing it while still honoring the traditional beauty."

Thai circle dance connects people emotionally and fosters community.

The Thai Xoe dance performance is not only an artistic playground but also an affirmation of the vibrant vitality of the ethnic culture. The graceful circles, connecting hundreds of people, serve as a symbol of solidarity and close bonds in the community life of the Thai people in Son La in particular and the people of the Northwest region in general.

Source: Son La Newspaper