Preserving Muong identity
Visiting Chien hamlet, Van Son commune, Tan Lac district - one of the four famous Muong regions of Hoa Binh, PV had the opportunity to talk with Ms. Ha Thi Theu (born in 1987), Captain of the Chien hamlet art troupe, the person who preserves and develops the art troupe. She shared that, born and raised in the unique cultural space of Muong Bi, since childhood she has been imbued with traditional cultural values through the lullabies of her mother and grandmother and has a deep love for the national culture.
According to Ms. Theu, the Xom Chien art troupe was established in 2017 with the goal of maintaining and promoting the intangible cultural values of the Muong people. The team members, aged 18-35, are all locals with a deep love for ethnic culture. The team's traditional dance and singing performances are all associated with the characteristics of the Muong people such as Tram Duong dance, gong playing, wooden drums, flutes and other ethnic musical instruments. Each time the team performs, it is not only an opportunity for the audience to enjoy the art but also an opportunity to explore and understand more deeply about Muong culture.
Not only operating within the local area, the Chien hamlet art troupe also regularly performs at large and small events and festivals of the commune and district. In particular, since the movement to promote traditional cultural values associated with tourism development has been actively developed, community tourism spots have increased traditional art tours, and the art troupe has become a factor attracting tourists to the hamlets.
Tourists are always excited to see traditional performances in the local cultural space. Not only does it help promote national culture but it also contributes to creating income for local people through tourism activities.
According to Ms. Ha Thi Theu, art troupes have been and are the bridge between traditional culture and community tourism.
Government attention
Recognizing the importance of preserving and promoting traditional cultural values, Tan Lac district authorities have had many specific policies to support and encourage the art movement. Ms. Bui Minh Hong, Head of the Department of Culture and Information of Tan Lac district, emphasized: “The preservation and promotion of the cultural values of the Muong ethnic group always receives special attention from leaders at all levels. We have been implementing many support programs for art troupes, not only financially but also technically, and organizing cultural exchange activities.”
According to Ms. Hong, traditional art troupes preserve culture and are an important foundation for developing community tourism. When tourists come to Tan Lac, they not only enjoy the natural beauty but also have the opportunity to deeply understand the cultural life of the Muong people. This is a harmonious combination of heritage preservation and local economic development, creating a sustainable development model.
In addition, Ms. Hong also emphasized that the Chien hamlet art troupe is a meeting place for generations of Muong people, creating a space for them to exchange and continue their national culture. Through performances and exchanges, the younger generation learns and absorbs valuable values from their ancestors, while the older generation also finds joy in seeing their heritage being maintained and developed.