Every Saturday and Sunday evening, the cultural house in Buot hamlet, Xuan Nha commune, comes alive with the sound of gongs, along with the vibrant Xoe dance performed by the hamlet art troupe, drawing large crowds of residents.

Vi Thi Dinh, head of the troupe, said members spend weekends practicing Thai folk songs and dances. “We choreograph and stage our own performances, blending traditional Thai dances with modern folk routines, to showcase at hamlet and commune events,” she added.

Xuan Nha commune now has 28 hamlet art troupes, each with 8-10 members. They practice regularly and perform during festivals, holidays, and major local political events. Each troupe receives 2 million VND (about 76 USD) in annual funding. The commune has also invested in cultural facilities and organised exchange programmes. Since the start of this year, it has held seven commune-wide cultural performances, creating a community platform that fosters solidarity and strengthens grassroots cultural activities.

Ha Thi Huyen, head of Na Hieng hamlet’s art troupe, said members prepare and practice ahead of each cultural exchange, bringing audiences distinctive dance and music performances rich in ethnic identity. “It’s also a chance for hamlet troupes to connect, learn from one another, and strengthen community bonds,” she noted.

Cheering enthusiastically during the performances, Ha Duc Dung said cultural shows are an indispensable part of local life. “Everyone looks forward to these exchanges as a chance to enjoy the lively music and dancing, which lifts the community’s spirit,” he noted.

Mui Thi Quyen, head of Xuan Nha commune’s bureau for cultural and social affairs, said grassroots art activities have become a bridge connecting ethnic communities and contributing to cultural life. Going forward, the commune will continue to encourage and support local troupes, linking their work with the new-style rural area building programme. It will also organise training programmes for core performers and cultural exchanges, creating platforms that expand and sustain grassroots cultural movements.

Xuan Nha’s grassroots cultural movement has become a key driver of community life, enriching the spiritual well-being of residents while preserving and promoting the traditional heritage of local ethnic groups.