The Kho Mu ethnic people live mostly in Vietnam northwest. They boast a rich and long - standing traditional culture. We now take you to the Muong Phang commune in the northern province of Dien Bien and explore traditional dances of Kho Mu people.

The sound of a bamboo wind instrument and gongs of Kho Mu people. It ensembles well with the wild and vast surrounding of northwest forest and mountain. Pham Minh Chau, a district cultural manager, said: “The Kho Mu dance is characterized with dynamic and strong pattern representing daily production work and life.”

The dance combines subtle moves from hip to waist, legs and hands, representing activities at rice fields:“The Vieng ger Guong dance in Dien Bien is a welcoming dance performed at festival. Dancers move like putting up roof and preparing soil for crop at field.”

The dance is also performed at the end of the harvesting season. Luong Thi Nen is a dancer: “The dance dates back long time a go and represents links between people and nature as well as wishes for a bumper crop and love.”

Minh Chau says the dance reflects Kho Mu people’s strive to make progress. Local government and people have supported the establishment of dance troupes to preserve and restore the art. Young people are expected to welcome the art through visit performances and exchanges with other ethnic groups.