Tac xinh dancing is recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism in 2014. (photo: Ha Linh/ VOV5)

Sang co singing and Tac xinh dancing have long existed side by side with the traditional rituals of the San Chay in Phu Luong district, Thai Nguyen province. The simple rhythms and easy-to-understand body language of Tac xinh dancing have passed from generation to generation.

Hoang Thi Hang, head of Dong Tien commune’s Tac xinh troupe said: “The dance re-enacts our daily life and production. There are dances called finding the way, building a village, sharpening knives, clearing the terraced fields, celebrating the harvest, and the dance of the doves.”

Tac xinh dancing carries wishes for favorable weather, peace, and happiness, and expresses gratitude to the ancestors.

At the traditional harvest ritual, when the master of ceremony gives the signal, two shamans appear, holding a bamboo tube in one hand and a stick in the other hand. They knock the stick on the bamboo tube twice to make a "tac, tac" sound. Then they hit the bamboo tubes on the ground to create a "xinh" sound. Then people divide into groups and dance to the Tac xinh rhythm.

Sang co singing always accompanies Tac xing dance. (photo: Ha Linh/ VOV5)

Tran Thi Nu, a member of the Dong Tien troupe, said: “The musical instrument and the rhythm are simple, but unlike any other instrument. Dancers raise one foot at the Tac sound, and stomp down at the Xinh sound. The bamboo pole is a symbol of natural beauty and a bountiful harvest of rice and corn. When harvest time arrives, doves fly in to signal good things, a good harvest, and joy.”

Thai Nguyen province has made Tac xinh dancing part of its community tourism. Every San Chay village has a Tac xinh dancing and Sang Co singing troupe. The tac xinh sound echoing from the San Chay homestay villages creates a joyous atmosphere.

The San Chay believe that the more people dance and the more enthusiastic the musicians are, the more likely it is that the gods will respond. The San Chay people are proud of their cultural heritage, which inspires community solidarity.

“We practice Tac xinh dancing regularly to preserve our group’s identity. We teach the children to preserve our traditions.”

“I teach the children and we’ve made some modifications. For example, at the crisscrossing movement, they invite tourists to join the dance.”

In 2014, Tac xinh dancing was recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.