Promoting national culture through performing arts

Son La possesses a rich and unique treasure of folk art, from the xoe dance of the Thai ethnic group, the tha kheng dance, the Hmong flute dance, the bell dance of the Dao ethnic group, the au eo dance of the Khmu people, along with traditional folk songs and dances passed down through many generations. These traditional cultural values are not only preserved but also become valuable materials for artists and choreographers to create unique performing arts works imbued with national identity.

Meritorious Artist Doan The Hung, Director of the Provincial Music and Dance Theater, said: Ethnic folk materials are the soul of the theater's performances, creating unique characteristics. This is the strength of the unit every time it participates in programs, competitions, and performances, contributing to preserving the good values of ethnic cultures and promoting Son La culture.

Rehearsal of artists and actors of the Provincial Music and Dance Theater.

The Provincial Music and Dance Theater has performed many unique art programs that have made a special impression at major events in the province. Most recently, there was a special art program at the opening night of the Son La Provincial Cultural Tourism Festival " The World's Leading Regional Natural Destination" at Moc Chau National Tourist Area in 2023; art programs with the themes "Arabica Son La - Taste of the Northwest Mountains and Forests" and "Arabica Son La - Origin of Creativity" at the first Son La Provincial Coffee Festival in 2023; art program "Moc Chau, Van Ho - Beautiful Highlands" at the Ceremony to announce the Decision to recognize Moc Chau National Tourist Area... These art programs were elaborately staged, delicately combining traditional and modern elements, folk and professional performing arts. Through each performance, cultural values, love for the homeland and nature of the Northwest are conveyed vividly, deeply, touching the hearts of viewers.

Having participated in a number of cultural and tourism events in Son La province, Ms. Nguyen Bao Tram, a tourist to Ho Chi Minh City, shared: Coming to Son La, I was not only impressed by the beautiful natural landscape but also attracted by the unique cultural activities. Especially the art programs at major local events with community cultural performances. It can be said that these are the factors that create the appeal, excitement and success of each event and tourists like us can better understand the culture of the ethnic groups in Son La.

Art program at the Ceremony to announce the Decision to recognize Moc Chau National Tourist Area.

Son La also actively participates in tourism promotion activities in many localities across the country. Typical events such as: "Spring colors in all regions of the country", "Colors of Vietnamese ethnic cultures", "Happy Independence Day" at the Cultural - Tourism Village of Vietnamese ethnic groups in Hanoi; Festival of Community Tourism Village of 8 Northwestern provinces expanded in Hoa Binh province (now Phu Tho province); organizing the tourism event "Colors of Son La - Northwest" during the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Week and the Northwestern provinces in Ho Chi Minh City in 2023... all have brought vibrant cultural spaces imbued with national identity.

Art program event "Colors of Son La" in Da Nang city.

In particular, last June, Son La province organized the event "Colors of Son La" in Da Nang city with a series of attractive cultural and artistic activities, creating a space imbued with national identity right in the heart of the dynamic coastal city. Artists, actors, and artisans performed impressive and unique community cultural performances, attracting tourists to experience. Honored to participate in the event, Ms. Lo Thi Ban, Chieng An ward, said: I am very honored and proud to bring the unique culture of the Thai ethnic group to introduce to the people and tourists in Da Nang city. Seeing friends and tourists here interested and excited to participate in cultural experiences, we are all excited and wish to participate in more events like this to promote the unique culture of Son La.

Performing the Mong ethnic group's tha khang dance at a cultural and tourism event of the province.

Not only domestic events, art programs staged and performed by the Provincial Music and Dance Theater also contributed to the success of cooperation events with Laos, such as: Cultural - Tourism Festival 2022 with the theme "Son La - Luang Prabang Love Song"; "Son La - Hua Phan Cultural Tourism Festival" in 2024.

Mr. Pham Hong Thu, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, affirmed: Performing arts is an effective tool to promote culture, especially the culture of Son La ethnic minorities. Through art programs, the audience has a deeper understanding of the spiritual life and customs of Son La people. The Department always prioritizes the preservation, teaching and development of folk art forms; creating conditions for bringing professional art performances imbued with cultural identity to major events inside and outside the province.

Dao ethnic culture is included in professional art programs.

Constantly innovating and diversifying performance forms, enhancing cultural exchange activities at home and abroad, expanding markets and audiences will be the optimal solution to help art become an effective tool to promote cultural heritage. At the same time, linking performing arts with tourism development so that art becomes a solid bridge, bringing Son La's diverse culture closer to the public, contributing to building Son La's tourism brand and strengthening friendship and solidarity among ethnic groups.

Source: https://baosonla.vn/van-hoa-xa-hoi/quang-ba-van-hoa-dan-toc-qua-nghe-thuat-bieu-dien-mrZUd3sHg.html