The Art of Xoe Thai Dance – Cultural Symbol Unites The Community

The Art of Xoe Thai Dance is a traditional folk dance of the Thai people in the northwestern region of Vietnam. Xoe dance is a form of social dance that is performed at festivals, weddings, and other special occasions. It is characterized by its simple steps, graceful movements, and joyful spirit. Xoe dance is typically performed by a group of people, but it can also be performed by individuals or couples.

There are many different types of Xoe dances, each with its unique steps and movements.

– Xoe dance: It is typically performed by a group of people in a circle

– Xoe non: it is often performed by women

– Xoe Khan: it is often performed by couples

– Xoe Khen: This dance is performed with Khen, a traditional Vietnamese mouth organ

Xoe dance is accompanied by traditional Vietnamese music, which is typically played on instruments such as dan tinh, dan bau, and Khen.

History

Xoe Khan dance

Muong Lo is the ancestral land of the Black Thai people. The first time they came to this fertile, rich, but still wild land, the pioneers always had to fight to survive there. The Xoe dance reflects the warpath of our ancestors, uniting against enemies and creating the power to rule water, exploit land, and wish for a good life. Xoe dances were born as a necessity, containing beautiful human cultural values and profound philosophy hidden in each movement and each Xoe dance.

Not only that, when society develops to a certain level, Thai people gradually become aware of the universe, the relationship between heaven – earth – and people, and the role of humans in that harmonious relationship. Over time, Xoe dance evolved into a form of social dance that is performed at festivals, weddings, and other special occasions. It is now a beloved tradition of the Thai people, and it is a symbol of their cultural identity.

Today, The Art of Xoe Thai Dance is still a vibrant and living tradition. It is practiced by millions of people in Vietnam, and it continues to play an important role in the cultural and social lives of the Thai people.

Unique features

The Art of Xoe Thai Dance is a unique and beautiful art form that is characterized by many unique features, including

– Simplicity and grace: Xoe dance is characterized by its simple steps and graceful movements. This makes it accessible to people of all ages and skill levels.

– Joyful spirit: Xoe dance is a joyful and celebratory dance. It is a way for people to come together and express their happiness and appreciation for life.

– Community participation: Xoe dance is typically performed by groups of people. This makes it a powerful tool for building community and promoting social cohesion.

– Connection to nature: Xoe dance is deeply rooted in the natural world. Many Xoe dances are inspired by the movements of animals and the rhythms of the seasons.

– Rich symbolism: Xoe dance is rich in symbolism. The costumes, movements, and props used in Xoe dance all have special meaning.

The Art of Xoe Thai Dance is a unique and valuable cultural tradition that embodies some important universal values. It is a living tradition that continues to play an important role in the cultural and social lives of the Thai people, and it is a source of inspiration and enrichment for people all over the world.

Outstanding value

Xoe dances are no different from a miniature Thai society, reflecting life, thoughts, feelings, and aspirations through the way of thinking and language of Thai folk dance. Along with the lyrical melodies, Khen, Pi, and Xoe melodies are naturally deeply rooted in people’s hearts. Through each Xoe dance, people become closer and more harmonious with each other, love life, love people to enter working life, and fight with infinite faith and love. 

UNESCO honors the art of Thai dance

Through Xoe dances, one can also see the life of Thai society from the beginning as well as the awareness of human life and worldview. As a unique type of intangible cultural heritage, Xoe Thai carries unique cultural and humanistic values, becoming a means of communication and community connection and a valuable asset of the Vietnamese ethnic community.

Conclusion

On December 15, 2021, the art of Xoe Thai was recognized by UNESCO as the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This has proven the strong vitality and especially important position of this intangible cultural heritage of not only the Thai people but also the general community of Vietnamese ethnic groups in the cultural flow of the land. country, increasing pride in Thai ethnic cultural identity and promoting the spirit of solidarity among ethnic groups in Vietnam.

Xoe dance is a unique and valuable cultural tradition that embodies many important universal values, such as the importance of respecting and celebrating cultural diversity, the importance of living in harmony with nature, and the importance of community and social cohesion.

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