Yet, beneath this vibrant exterior lies a persistent pulse of cultural memory, where traditional values are cherished and reimagined through the language of contemporary physical expression. In recent years, the modern dance movement in the province has flourished, spreading from schools to public spaces. While Hip-hop and freestyle have become the familiar “vocabulary” of a confident new generation, there is a noteworthy trend of returning to cultural roots as many dance groups actively integrate ethnic dance elements from the Thái, Lào, and Mông people into their choreography.

The recent “Street Dance - Mường Thanh Night: Innovation & Breakthrough” competition held at the Mường Thanh walking street served as a vivid testament to this fusion. With nine teams participating, the stage became a meeting point for various styles ranging from urban dance to highly individualized street variants. These performances were meticulously invested in terms of staging, rhythm, and layout, reflecting the increasingly professional choreographic mindset of the local youth. Beyond technical skill, the highlight was the “localization” of modern elements. Several teams boldly donned traditional ethnic costumes, bringing cultural details like the áo cóm, khăn piêu, and brocade patterns into a street-dance setting. Graceful Xòe steps and decisive Sạp rhythms were skillfully “remixed” into electronic music, creating a unique visual and emotional impact.

According to Trương Khắc Lương, Head Judge of the competition, the combination of traditional and modern elements was a remarkable bright spot. He noted that the teams demonstrated a flexible ability to exploit indigenous cultural materials within the structures of Hip-hop and street dance while still maintaining the original spirit. The appearance of Thái, Lào, and Mông cultural signatures in a modern artistic space shows an increasingly clear awareness among the younger generation regarding the preservation and promotion of national identity.

Among the competitors, the Ban Trắng Điện Biên dance group, comprising students from Thanh Chăn High School, left a deep impression with their tradition-rich expressive style. Eschewing complex tricks or over-engineered staging, the group chose a minimalist approach focused on movement and emotion. Their traditional áo cóm and khăn piêu were not merely costumes on stage but became “cultural symbols” rich in language, introducing the beauty of Thái ethnic folk dance to the audience. Lường Thanh Thư, leader of Ban Trắng Điện Biên, shared that in their modern routines, the group is always conscious of retaining the “soul” of Thái culture by subtly weaving in traditional elements. Every movement, from the characteristic gestures of Xòe to the rhythmic steps of Sạp, is stylized and refreshed to harmonize with the vibrant beats of modern music, creating a unique identity and a bridge between youth and their heritage.

Similarly, the VQT Crew, consisting of students from the provincial Boarding School for Ethnic Minorities, brought forth representative performances such as “Vietnamese Soul Echoes,” which combined nón lá and áo tứ thân with powerful yet fluid Hip-hop. Another piece, “Heroic Spirit of the Mountains and Rivers,” featured peasant attire and nón lá transformed through energetic choreography. Lò Thị Ái Châu, leader of VQT Crew, explained that the idea of embedding traditional elements into modern dance began with ethnic music beats and traditional songs. She credited the school’s Youth Union Secretary for assisting with conceptualization and sound design.

“We realized that if we only kept tradition within its old framework, it would gradually become distant from the younger generation. But if we know how to ‘breathe soul’ into modern forms like Hip-hop or freestyle, culture will not be lost, it will become more vivid,” Lò Thị Ái Châu shared.

She further noted that VQT Crew does not simply move traditions onto the stage as they are; they select and stylize them. Movements are inspired by folk and hat dances then adapted to fit modern beats. Their costumes maintain the basic beauty of the áo dài or áo bà ba but are paired with sneakers and street-style accessories to create a crossover. The music itself is a “new wave” of folk music mixed with EDM, Hip-hop, or Rap about the country. Looking ahead, the group intends to delve deeper into less-exploited materials such as Hát Xẩm, Ca Trù, or folk rituals, while collaborating with artisans to ensure they create responsibly and accurately.

In the context of powerful cultural globalization, preserving and promoting national identity through new art forms is a highly suitable path. Modern dance, with its openness and high capacity for absorption, is becoming an effective “intermediate space” for traditional values to live, transform, and spread. However, the reality also demands greater depth. Since most participants are of school age and may have limited cultural experience or understanding of historical contexts, the guidance of professionals, artisans, and researchers is crucial. This ensures that the integration of traditional elements achieves the necessary sophistication and aesthetic value, avoiding deviations or offensive expressions when the public receives these modernized traditional cultural products.