Art of Xòe Dance of the Tai People in Vietnam (UNESCO)

The Art of Xoe Dance of the Tai people across the Northwest was officially inscribed by UNESCO on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2021. Evolving over centuries from daily agricultural routines—clearing hillside terraces, spinning silk, harvesting golden rice—and spiritual thanksgiving rituals, Xoe transformed everyday communal gestures into one of Southeast Asia’s most joyous, dynamic folk dance traditions. Xoe encompasses three primary expressions: Ritual Xoe performed during spiritual rites, Showcase Xoe utilizing props like conical hats, silk fans, and embroidered Pieu scarves, and Community Circle Xoe (Xoe Vong). Circle Xoe stands as the most egalitarian and soul-stirring manifestation. Without distinction of age, gender, social status, or ethnicity, everyone joins hand-in-hand to form concentric circles around blazing central fires, dancing rhythmically to the heartbeat of drums, bronze gongs, and bamboo reed mouth organs (khen be). An enduring Tai proverb affirms: "Without Xoe there is no joy, without Xoe the rice stalk will not flower, without Xoe lovers will never marry." The swaying, graceful footwork of Tai maidens dressed in fitted com blouses, polished silver butterfly clasps, and fluttering handwoven Pieu scarves radiates an open-hearted message of universal hospitality, peace, and unbreakable communal unity.