Folk dance rhythms in the village

Recently, in the mountainous communes of Da Nang, the image of Co Tu women wearing traditional costumes and enthusiastically performing folk dances has become increasingly familiar and vibrant.

The folk dances "We Go to Vote" were performed by women in Dong Giang commune, wearing traditional brocade costumes of the Co Tu people. Photo: LP

Amidst the vibrant colors of the brocade fabrics, the lively music and the laughter and chatter of the women created a warm and joyful picture of community life in the mountains.

In sync with the rhythm

Amidst the vibrant colors of their traditional brocade dresses, women hold hands in rows, walking to the familiar rhythm of music playing in the courtyards of cultural centers, parks, or schools. Their folk dance movements—with outstretched arms, gentle spins, and synchronized steps—create a colorful tapestry of community life. The music, echoing through the peaceful mountain landscape, awakens the village after a day of hard work.

These dances weren't overly complicated or difficult to learn. With just a few practice sessions, the women could dance in sync to the music. It was this simplicity and approachability that allowed the folk dance movement to spread rapidly throughout the community.

Participating in folk dancing for the first time, Ms. Zơrâm Thị Hằng, Vice Head of the Women's Association of Ga'nil village, Hùng Sơn commune, couldn't hide her excitement. “The folk dance movements aren't too difficult, and they're fun, so everyone participated enthusiastically. Moreover, wearing our traditional ethnic costumes, dancing together, and chatting made the atmosphere in the village much more joyful,” Ms. Hằng shared.

To participate in the training sessions, many women have to arrange their household chores early in the morning. After preparing meals for their husbands and children or finishing their work in the fields, they meet at the community center's yard to practice together. Sometimes, even late at night, the women still stay to practice a few more times to perfect their movements. It is through these community training sessions that the bonds between the women's association members in the village grow stronger.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Lenh, President of the Women's Union of Hung Son commune, said that the folk dance activities launched by the Da Nang City Women's Union have brought a breath of fresh air to the village. Initially, she worried that the women in the village might be hesitant, but after trying it out, everyone enthusiastically participated.

"The folk dances are simple and easy to remember, so after just a few practice sessions, the women can dance smoothly and beautifully. What makes us happiest is that after each practice session, the women often stay and chat for a long time, making the atmosphere in the village more intimate and warm," Ms. Lenh said.

Spread the joy of the festival.

Beyond simply creating a cultural playground for female members, the folk dance movement is also integrated with many meaningful propaganda activities. In recent days, the atmosphere of folk dance practice in the mountainous communes of Da Nang has become even more vibrant as the City Women's Union organized a mass performance of the folk dance "We Go to the Election," linked to the propaganda campaign for the election of representatives to the 16th National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term.

This activity quickly received a positive response from a large number of female members. The atmosphere of practice therefore became more vibrant. From the village cultural center's courtyard and schoolyard to the open spaces in the middle of the village, one could find groups of women in traditional costumes enthusiastically practicing everywhere.

In Dong Giang commune, the folk dance practice movement is also thriving in many villages and hamlets. Every afternoon, after the work in the fields is temporarily finished, the women gather at the village cultural center's courtyard to practice together. To the lively music of the song "We Go to the Election," their rhythmic footsteps and raised arms seem to blend with the joy and excitement leading up to the great national election.

Ms. Arat Thi Gai, a women's association member from Axanh Go village, Dong Giang commune, said that the folk dance practice sessions have become a time she looks forward to after each day of work. Normally, she works in the fields and does housework, so she's quite tired, but every weekend evening when she hears her fellow women calling each other to come to the cultural center's courtyard to practice folk dances, she immediately makes time to go.

According to Ms. Gái, what she enjoyed most was wearing her ethnic group's traditional clothing when participating in the performances. The brocade dresses with distinctive patterns of the Cơ Tu people, when combined with the lively music, created a very beautiful scene in the village.

"We usually only wear traditional costumes during our ethnic group's festivals. Now that we have the opportunity to wear them to participate in folk dancing with our sisters, everyone is excited and happy," Ms. Gai added.

It can be said that, amidst the vibrant colors of traditional brocade, folk dances have become a vivid and engaging form of visual propaganda regarding the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and representatives to the People's Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term. Through such activities, information about the election day, the rights and obligations of voters are conveyed in a relatable and easily understandable way to the people.

Ms. Dinh Thi Thet, President of the Women's Union of Dong Giang commune, affirmed that encouraging women to wear brocade costumes in community activities not only creates a beautiful image but also contributes to honoring the cultural identity of the Co Tu people. At the same time, it is also a way for the younger generation to be more proud of and connected to the traditional culture of their ethnic group.

"Encouraging women to maintain the traditional brocade weaving craft and wear traditional clothing during festivals and community events not only makes the activities more vibrant and beautiful but also helps women, especially the younger generation, to connect more closely with traditional culture," Ms. Thet concluded.

As evening falls and the sunlight softens behind the mountains, folk dances resound in the courtyard of the cultural center. The lively footsteps bring a new rhythm to the village—a rhythm of joy, community bonding, and pride in national cultural identity. And amidst the vibrant colors of the traditional brocade, these folk dances continue to spread joy, warming the cultural life of the highland villages.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/nhip-dan-vu-giua-ban-lang-3328992.html