Xoe dancing is a cultural tradition that reflects the Thai people's philosophy of life and their relationship with nature, one another, and the community. Every movement carries a special meaning. Waving a scarf in the Xoe circle symbolizes a warm welcome, while joining hands conveys a spirit of unity, cooperation, and mutual affection. For this reason, Xoe has grown far beyond Thai villages, becoming a widely celebrated dance.
In December 2021, the art of Thai Xoe dance was recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. In Muong Lo valley, the community has preserved Xoe dancing by performing it at festivals, community events, and special celebrations. Thousands of folk artists, including many in their 80s, teach the dance movements to younger generations to ensure that the ancient dance is preserved and passed down to posterity.
"My grandparents taught these dances to me. Seeing the risk that they could vanish, I decided to teach them to the children. Teachers encourage their pupils to come to my dance class after school, and the children are always eager to learn," said Emeritus folk artist Dieu Thi Sieng of Nghia Lo ward.
In recent years, local authorities have launched initiatives to raise public awareness and create favorable conditions for preserving and promoting Thai Xoe. Festivals and cultural exchange programs have been organized to introduce the dance to visitors.
"We’ll continue to organize classes and establish Xoe dance groups to promote this unique cultural tradition," Luong Manh Ha, Secretary of the Party Committee of Nghia Lo ward, said.
Many schools in Nghia Lo have invited artists to teach pupils Xoe dancing as an extracurricular activity. Pham Thi Thanh Hien, a teacher at Nghia Lo Secondary and High School, said, "Pupils of all ages love Xoe dancing and learn the movements very quickly. We receive tremendous support from local artists, who devote much time and effort to teaching our pupils."
Muong Lo currently has more than a hundred community performance groups with thousands of members.
"A beautiful Xoe dance involves graceful movements and dancing with your heart. We practice regularly and listen to our grandmothers and older sisters to better understand the meaning of each movement," Lo Thi Xuan of Trung Tam ward said.
