Dance by the Seashore

As Da Nang lights up at night, the waves along Vo Nguyen Giap beach sparkle with a silvery sheen. This is also when groups of foreign tourists flock to My Khe beach, joining in the music by the waves.

International tourists dance nightly on My Khe beach. Photo: BINH PHU

The stage is the wide sidewalk, illuminated only by streetlights and passing vehicles instead of professional lighting, yet it becomes the starting point for a wild and unforgettable dance party for those who love Da Nang .

Freestyle dance floor

As dusk fell, the coastal road near the intersection of Vo Van Kiet and Vo Nguyen Giap streets bustled with people strolling along. Amidst the refreshing sea breeze, the vibrant Latin music resonated like a magnet, making many want to relax and dance.

Within a few dozen minutes, a large circle quickly formed around the loudspeaker. Without anyone saying a word, feet began moving rhythmically to the beat, creating a unique cultural feature of nightlife in the seaside town.

Dance enthusiasts flocked here, proactively choosing spacious, well-lit sidewalks to prepare for an evening of unrestrained dancing. Besides couples who had practiced together before, experienced solo dancers quickly found compatible partners after just a few handshakes and greetings.

Carrying a small speaker and a folding chair, Ms. Bich Phuong (from Son Tra ward) said that normally she and some friends only come here to dance after dinner. But the night before, she met a South American friend who played Salsa music and danced so "hooked" that she arranged to dance earlier today.

“I love dancing, and my house is near the beach, so I’m here almost every night. The great thing about these dances is the complete improvisation. Here, you don’t wear glittering sequined dresses like on a professional dance floor; you wear shorts and t-shirts. Sometimes, people who have just come back from swimming still wear their swimsuits and go barefoot, joining in the music, ” said Ms. Phuong.

According to Ms. Phuong, the dance groups hardly have fixed members and operate openly. Whoever arrives first brings a speaker so that anyone who wants to dance can join. From just a few couples dancing at first, after a few hours, the makeshift stage on the beach grows larger with dozens of couples swaying to the music.

Jeremy (an American tourist) said he had been in Da Nang for almost two months and happened to see people dancing in the Son Tra beach area. At first, he just watched, but everyone was dancing beautifully and having so much fun that he asked to join them. That was all it took; this stage helped him connect with more friends. Under the golden streetlights and the crescent moon, the atmosphere of the night sea became magical and full of poetry.

Blending into the heart of Da Nang

Among the more than 20 couples dancing in a group near the Whale Mausoleum, I counted that about half were foreigners, around 30 years old. The lively music, graceful dance moves, and laughter of everyone made the Da Nang beach at night even more dynamic, youthful, and friendly.

Initially, spectators stood on the periphery, observing cautiously. But then, the passionate Latin rhythm seemed to possess a strange magic. A polite gesture from a Western man, an encouraging smile from a local woman, and all barriers of apprehension instantly vanished. Intertwined steps, graceful spins, and thunderous applause erupted whenever a couple performed a difficult move. A joyful, energetic atmosphere permeated the entire beach, drowning out even the gentle sound of the waves.

David Miller (34 years old, a tourist from England) has been a loyal "dancer" at My Khe beach for the past two weeks. He says that no matter what level of dancing you are, whether you're a beginner or an experienced dancer, you can come here to dance with everyone.

"Everything is free. You just need to be healthy, and then you'll find laughter and joy in this space," he said.

Having spent over a year traveling around Asia, Miller has also participated in dance clubs in many places. But dancing in the seaside setting of Da Nang is wonderful because the cool air, the open space, and the many people passing by give him a special feeling. Therefore, every time he comes here, he usually dances until late at night before going home.

The passion for dancing among foreign tourists in the coastal area seems to know no boundaries of age or nationality. It's not just one group, but many, from energetic Gen Z youth with their powerful hip-hop moves, to elderly couples with graying hair enjoying romantic dances under the swaying coconut trees.

By the sea at night, the fatigue and pressure of daily life are cast aside to fully enjoy every moment with music.

What particularly surprises many foreign tourists passing through the "beach dance" area is not just the beautiful dance moves, but the wonderful blend of foreigners and Da Nang locals. Here, boundaries of language, skin color, or culture seem to completely disappear. Everyone is connected by a single common language: music and dance.

Beneath the coconut trees, the friendliness, hospitality, and openness of the local people provide a foundation for international tourists to feel welcome. Many don't stand aside and watch as a strange spectacle, but actively join in, bringing a free-spirited, liberal energy and breathing new life into the coastal city's spiritual life.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/vu-dieu-ben-bo-bien-3338785.html