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The cultural identity of a nation is commonly seen in the country's rituals, traditional dance, and music. For the Lao people, Lamvong is the country's most iconic dance, one symbol of national pride, cohesion, and sophistication.
On 5th December 2024, UNESCO formally included Laos' Lamvong dance in the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, a historic success in the protection and promotion of this traditional art. So what makes this dance so special? Read this article and discover everything about the beauty of this dance with Asia King Travel.
Lamvong, which translates to "dance in circle" or "circle dance". This is a traditional Lao dance performed during celebrations, festivals, and special occasions. It is performed to the beat of the traditional Lao music with khene - a bamboo mouth organ, drums, and stringed instruments.
This dance is performed during celebrations, festivals, and special occasions (Source: Phoenix Voyages)
Costumes also have a significant part in the identity of this dance. The women would be attired in sinh, a traditional silk skirt, and men wear Lao formal attire.
This unique dance was started centuries ago, influenced by local traditions and surrounding cultures. It used to be performed in village celebrations and royal courts to promote harmony and cultural values. The dance also illustrates Buddhist ideas of balance and the cycle of life.
Over time, Lamvong became an essential part of Lao festivals. For example, in the famous Lao New Year (Pi Mai), locals and tourists who attend this special occasion will take part in the dance to celebrate renewal and joy together. This dance is what brings people together, regardless of race, nationality, or gender.
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The dance is all about slow and graceful movements. A pair of dancers dance in a circular pattern, in harmony with the beat of traditional Lao music. The steps are simple yet graceful, emphasizing hand movement, foot movement, eye movement, and soft swaying.
Costumes have a significant part in the identity of this dance (Source: Internet)
Men and women dance in circles typically, moving in opposite directions in harmony. The dancers move forward and backward to the beat of the music with a smooth flowing action. The hands move in gentle circular movements, sometimes symbolizing harmony.
The dance is based on Lao culture and is often performed at weddings, religious rituals, and national events. It is not just entertainment, but a display of social harmony and respect.
UNESCO identifies certain traditions as Intangible Cultural Heritage not just to honor and recognize its value, but also to safeguard them for generations to come and popularize them. The dance received this title for its cultural significance and preservation requirements in the context of globalization.
On 5th December 2024, UNESCO formally included Laos' Lamvong dance in the Intangible Cultural Heritage (Source: Lao News Agency)
UNESCO recognition is based on the following key considerations:
Obviously, the dance fully meets all of these criteria, which is why it is not difficult to understand why it has been recognized by UNESCO. With its refined movements, rich cultural heritage and deep association with Laotian traditions, Lamvong is not only a beautiful piece of art but also an expression of national identity and heritage.
First, it helps strengthen Lao’s cultural identity. For Laotians, this recognition strengthens national pride and inspires the next generation to learn more about their cultural heritage. In order to maintain the dance's relevance, schools and cultural organizations can now include this traditional dance in their curricula.
The recognition also helps to increase tourism and global awareness of Lao culture. As an internationally recognized cultural tradition, Lamvong is expected to attract more tourists and cultural enthusiasts to Laos. As a result, foreign participation in festivals and events centered around the dance will rise to help foster cultural tourism and local economies.
Foreign visitors to Laos can participate in the dance to immerse themselves in the local culture (Source: Internet)
In addition, when the dance is popularized on a global level, the work of documentation, learning, and preservation activities of the dance will be promoted even more. The government and cultural organizations can fund activities to preserve the dance for future generations.
Last but not least, the recognition by UNESCO also opens opportunities for cultural exchange programs. Laos can share this traditional dance and their culture in general with the world through performances, workshops, and international festivals, fostering greater appreciation and collaboration with other cultures.
You can experience this traditional dance in various places across Laos, especially during cultural events and festivals. In Vientiane, traditional restaurants and cultural venues, such as the That Luang Festival grounds and the Lao National Cultural Hall, often showcase Lamvong performances.
You can experience this traditional dance in various places across Laos (Source: Internet)
You can also see Lamvong dance in Luang Prabang, where it is frequently performed at temples, cultural centers, and hotels, especially during Lao New Year. Or even if you visit rural villages or attend a Lao wedding, you will likely see locals dancing as part of the celebration.
You can try joining in because locals are very friendly and will be happy to teach newcomers about their culture.
This unique dance is a highlight of many major festivals in Laos. The most famous occasion is Pi Mai (Lao New Year), which takes place in April. On this festival, people dance to Lamvong in the streets, in temples, and at their homes.
Another one is the That Luang Festival in November, one of Laos' grandest religious events. This festival also features dance performances at temple grounds and public gatherings.
You can see people dancing to Lamvong in many Lao festival (Source: Internet)
Additionally, Lao National Day on December 2nd and various local temple festivals (Boun Wat) throughout the year provide opportunities to witness and participate in this traditional dance. Wherever you go in Laos, Lamvong remains a beautiful expression of Lao culture, bringing people together in joyful celebration.
But listing it by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage is not going to preserve this folk art by itself. Much effort is required to ensure that this culture, like any other folk culture, will endure in the globalized modern world.
It requires a lot of effort to preserve this cultural beauty over time (Source: Internet)
Even though this traditional dance retains its old values, there is a new variety with the influence of modern times. In cities, it is blended with contemporary music to appeal to the younger generation without compromising its originality.
Social media has also revived interest in this unique dance. Dance performance videos, tutorial videos, and cultural narratives have disseminated knowledge of the dance beyond the Laos border to Lao communities throughout the globe.
The recognition of Lamvong as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO is a monumental achievement for Laos. It highlights the importance of preserving traditional arts in an ever-changing world. This is more than just a dance - it’s a living tradition that embodies the soul of Lao culture. Contact Asia King Travel today to plan your trip to Lao!
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