Lively Xoang Dance of the Ba Na People in Dak Ha: A Cultural Journey Through Kon Tum’s Rich Heritage

Gong Dance

The Central Highlands of Vietnam is a region not only renowned for its coffee but also celebrated for its captivating natural landscapes and vibrant cultural diversity. The harmonious blend of ethnic communities has created a region that is steeped in tradition, and one of the most striking aspects of this rich culture is the performance of traditional dance, especially the mesmerizing Xoang dance of the Ba Na people. Recently, the 5th Culture-Tourism Week and the 2nd Kon Tum Gong and Xoang Dance Festival of Ethnic Minorities brought together artists and visitors to immerse themselves in the rhythms and traditions that define the heart and soul of this land.

Held in Kon Tum, a province in the Central Highlands, the festival was a brilliant showcase of the region’s most prized cultural elements, including the powerful gong and Xoang dances, which have been recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. These dances reflect the profound spiritual life and beliefs of the Ba Na people and other ethnic groups who have long called this land home.

During the program “Dak Ha Harvest Space,” the fam trip delegation from the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism was introduced to the enchanting rhythms and movements of the Xoang dance. This particular dance is a key component of community celebrations, performed during key moments in the agricultural cycle, such as sowing, harvesting, and festivals. It is a dance rooted deeply in the community, inviting all ages, from children to elders, to join in its fluid, joyful movements. What makes the Xoang dance so special is its accessibility, as it can be performed by anyone in the community, creating a shared sense of belonging and unity.

Ms. Pham Thi Thuong, Vice Chairwoman of the Dak Ha District People's Committee, highlighted the organic nature of the learning process. For the Ba Na people, the dance is not just a form of entertainment but a way of life. Children learn the dance as they grow, mimicking the steps and rhythms passed down through generations. The dance movements are simple yet profound, mimicking the actions and tasks of daily life, such as chopping wood, making fire, or sowing seeds. Each movement is steeped in meaning, reflecting the connection between the people and the land they nurture.

Gong Dance

One of the most captivating aspects of the Xoang dance is its rhythmic connection with the sound of gongs. The music begins with the soft, gentle sound of small gongs, gradually building in intensity with larger gongs and drums. The beat resonates throughout the region, echoing the natural surroundings, from the mountains to the grasslands. It is as if the sound itself is woven into the fabric of nature, guiding visitors on a journey through the land. In the words of the Dak Ha District Cultural Center staff, the sound of the gong can sometimes be as soft as the afternoon breeze, and at other times, as thunderous as the roar of a waterfall.

As visitors watch and participate in the Xoang dance, they are drawn into the essence of the Ba Na people’s cultural heritage. It’s not just a performance; it is an invitation to experience the very heartbeat of the region. The beauty of the dance lies in its simplicity and the way it brings people together. It is a celebration of life, nature, and the community — a dance that transcends time and connects generations.

The Xoang dance in Dak Ha, and the broader celebration of the Gong and Xoang traditions, are part of Kon Tum’s ongoing efforts to share its cultural heritage with the world. For travelers seeking to experience something truly authentic and immersive, the cultural festivities in Dak Ha offer a rare opportunity to engage with a community deeply rooted in tradition while enjoying the natural beauty of the Central Highlands.

So, if you’re planning a trip to the Central Highlands, don’t miss the chance to experience the magic of the Xoang dance and witness firsthand the passion and artistry that have been nurtured by the Ba Na people for generations. It’s a journey that will resonate in your heart long after the last gong has sounded.

Tags: gongs, tourists, Dak Ha, Kon Tum, heritage, UNESCO, culture,