Thai Xoe dance - a source of widespread pride.

Each time they participate in performances at cultural programs, events, and festivals in provinces and cities across the country, it is an opportunity for artisans and amateur performers from Muong Lo to proudly introduce and spread the beauty of the Xoe dance in particular and the cultural identity of the Muong Lo region in general to friends outside the province.

Bac Ninh province recently organized the "Returning to Heritage 2026" Festival – an event linked to the significant milestone of Dong Ho folk painting being recognized by UNESCO. One of the activities at the Festival was a performance showcasing UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural heritage, with the participation of five art troupes from provinces and cities across the country on March 28th at the Bac Ninh Provincial Cultural and Exhibition Center. Lao Cai was one of the art troupes invited to perform at this event.

In that space steeped in heritage, the Lao Cai Provincial Folk Art Troupe, with nearly 30 performers from Nghia Lo and Trung Tam wards, brought a unique "breath" of the Muong Lo region. Beyond just performances, the troupe's amateur performers brought to the Festival a deep sense of pride in their ethnic group's cultural heritage. Under the stage lights, the soft, graceful circle dances conveyed a rich cultural message about the community life of the Thai people. Without lengthy explanations, each dance movement told a story of solidarity, the joy of reunion, and the aspirations for life of the Thai people of Muong Lo.

Ms. Lo Thi Khen, from Tong Pong village, Nghia Lo ward, a member of the group, expressed: "We want to bring and spread the essence of the ancient Thai Muong Lo dance, so that everyone can feel that the Thai dance is not just a dance, but also the soul of community life. Each circle of the dance is a circle of connection, binding people together, with the village and with the cultural roots."

Also a member of the group, young woman Dinh Thi Huyen from Nam Han residential area, Trung Tam ward, could not hide her emotion at being able to participate in the Xoe dance in Kinh Bac: "Standing on the stage in a neighboring province, I feel very proud. I want to send a message to the audience that from Muong Lo, the ancient Xoe dance is still being preserved and strongly spread in today's life."

Along with the Thai Xoe dance, the troupe also presented performances rich in cultural identity such as the song "Hak Panh Ban Muong Tay" (Loving the Thai Village), and the dances "Lung Linh Sac Ban" and "Sac Pieu". Each performance is a piece of the puzzle, contributing to portraying the beauty of the soul, love for the homeland, and the subtlety in the cultural life of the Thai people of Muong Lo.

Understanding that participating in the Bac Ninh Festival 2026 is not only a cultural task but also an opportunity to widely promote the value of the Thai Xoe dance heritage, each performer in the troupe is aware that every step they take on stage represents not only themselves but also the image of the entire Muong Lo region and the cultural identity of the Thai ethnic group in Lao Cai province. Therefore, before arriving in Bac Ninh, the performers actively practiced under the guidance of officials from the Lao Cai Provincial Cultural and Film Center. Every movement and formation was meticulously refined to ensure the most complete performance possible.

Not only at the Bac Ninh Festival, but also during performance tours and exchanges in provinces and cities across the country, the Thai Muong Lo dance has become a "bridge" to spread more widely. In each place they visit, the artists and amateur performers not only perform but also tell stories about the culture, people, and land where they were born. For Ms. Lo Thi Khen, who has been involved in amateur arts activities for over 30 years, each performance tour outside the province is a source of pride.

I've traveled with the troupe to perform in many places like Hanoi , Ho Chi Minh City, Quang Ninh, Thai Nguyen, Son La… Every time, when I get to introduce Thai Xoe dance to audiences in other provinces, I feel very happy and proud. Many people ask about the meaning of the Xoe dances, and I have the opportunity to tell them more about the culture of my people," Ms. Khen shared.

For young people like Ha Lan Anh from Sang Han residential area, Trung Tam ward, the awareness of promoting and spreading Thai Xoe dance is not just a source of pride but has become a clear responsibility every time they participate in performances in other provinces. “Our young generation is always aware of the need to continue and preserve the heritage of our ancestors. When performing in other provinces, I feel my responsibility even more clearly. I hope that through each performance, Thai Xoe dance will become closer to everyone, especially young people.” This pride and enthusiasm touched the hearts of the audience. Many, after enjoying the performance, did not hesitate to join the dance circle, immersing themselves in the rhythm. In that moment, geographical distance seemed to disappear, leaving only the connection of souls who love culture.

For the artisans and amateur performers in Muong Lo, each trip carrying the Thai Xoe dance is not just a performance, but also a precious opportunity to spread and affirm the vitality of a heritage. The Xoe dances from Muong Lo open up new connections, so that the Thai Xoe dance not only exists in the community life of their homeland, but also shines, touching the hearts of friends all over the country.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/xoe-thai-niem-tu-hao-lan-toa-post897814.html