The Lu people and dances of the Sin Ho region

The Lu people in Sin Ho, Lai Chau, still preserve many of their unique traditional cultural features, despite cultural exchanges with other ethnic groups. They live in villages, have a high sense of community cohesion, and mainly live in lowland areas.

The folk song and dance culture of the Lu people is very rich and diverse, composed during their life and work. Their folk dance melodies express strength, decisiveness, health and endurance.

Some prominent dances of the Lu people, often performed during holidays, Tet and community cultural activities, include:

• Scarf dance: Shows the softness, grace and dexterity of Lu women.
• Clapping dance: A group dance, with decisive, joyful movements, expressing joy and solidarity.
• Xoe circle (or Xoe dance of the Lu people): This is a popular collective dance, with a high sense of community. The bustling drum beats, simple and cheerful rhythms make everyone (both guests and hosts) participate in the Xoe circle, creating a cohesive and joyful atmosphere after tiring working days. The movements are stylized from activities in production and daily life.

When performing folk songs and dances, the Lu people often use traditional musical instruments such as: Drums, Gongs, and Double Flutes (also known as mother-child flutes).

The dances and songs of the Lu people are not only a means of entertainment but also a way for them to express their moods and emotions, praise their homeland and the new village, pray for a peaceful and prosperous life and pass on cultural values from generation to generation.