The message from the Thai dance

According to Dr. Thào Xuân Sùng, former member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam and former Deputy Head of the Central Committee’s Mass Mobilization Department stated: For the Thai people in the provinces of Son La, Dien Bien, Lai Chau, Xoe (dance) is not just a folk dance, but the cultural soul of the community. For generations, the Xoe dance has been present in all important events, such as housewarming parties, harvest festivals, weddings and spring festivals. The Thai people believe: “Without the xoe dance, there is no joy; without the xòe dance, the rice plants will not bloom”. Therefore, the xoe dance is both a source of joy and a blessing for a bountiful harvest and a prosperous life. The Xoe dance begins with simple movements: hands clasped, feet stepping rhythmically in a circle. The six traditional Xoe dances - circle dance, forward and backward dance, four-person dance, scarf-raising dance… contain a profound philosophy about unity. The circle dance transcends age, gender and social status, regardless of whether one is a guest or a host. Anyone who comes to the village can join in. In that moment, all distances seem to vanish, leaving only the shared heartbeat of the community.

The greatest value of the Xoe dance lies in its spirit of solidarity. In the remote mountainous region, where many difficulties still exist, the Xoe circle dance has become a symbol of sharing. When the village faces natural disasters or crop failures, it is this spirit of “working together” that helps the people overcome hardships. Xoe dance is not just a dance; it's also a way for the Thai people to affirm that community is strength and unity is the foundation of prosperity and happiness.

Besides nurturing spiritual life, the Xoe dance also opens up opportunities for economic development. In recent years, many localities in the Northwest region have incorporated the Thai Xoe dance into community tourism programs and cultural festivals. Visitors to Northwest (Vietnam) come not only to admire the terraced rice fields or enjoy local specialties, but also to immerse themselves in the traditional circle dance at night festivals. Village performing arts groups earn additional income from performances; traditional crafts such as brocade weaving, áo cóm (traditional Vietnamese clothing), and musical instrument making are maintained and developed. Culture becomes a resource, helping people improve their material lives.

In particular, the Xoe dance is closely associated with the Thai people’s belief in the leadership of the Party and the State. Many Xoe festivals are organized on a large scale, attracting thousands of participants, demonstrating the spirit of national unity. In that circle dance, not only the Thai people but also other ethnic groups joined hands, creating a colorful picture of national unity. Faith in the development direction of the Northwest region and in policies to care for the lives of the people was embodied in each rhythmic step.

On a night in the Northwest region, as the flickering firelight illuminates the radiant faces of the village elders and the young women in their exquisitely embroidered blouses, one can clearly feel the vibrant energy of Thai culture. The circle dance gradually widened, stretching from the village square across the mountainous landscape. Laughter mingled with music, creating a symphony of faith and hope.

Therefore, the Xoe dance is not only a beautiful cultural tradition, but also a symbol of the aspiration for prosperity. When holding hands in a circle of unity, the Thai people express their hopes for a bountiful harvest, peaceful villages and successful children in their reserchs. That circle dance also affirms that, amidst the Northwestern landscape, the spirit of national unity remains strong, accompanying the development of the homeland and the country.

Time passes, but the Xoe dance remains. In every step, every movement of the arms, there is pride in our roots and faith in a bright future. And as long as the circle dance continues to flourish amidst the mountains and forests, the strength of unity of the Thai people will continue to shine, contributing to building a more prosperous and beautiful Northwest region./.