Music and dance connect cultures at EXPO 2025

An art programme titled ‘A Circle of Music and Dance’ was held on June 12 at the Viet Nam Pavilion as part of EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai in Japan.

A performance at the programme
A performance at the programme

The event was a cultural collaboration between the Viet Nam Pavilion and the US Pavilion.

A harmonious blend of Vietnamese and Native American music

At the programme, international audiences witnessed a unique fusion of Native American traditional hoop and fancy dances alongside Vietnamese traditional music.

The performances embodied the theme of ‘A Circle of Music and Dance,’ symbolising the universal connection between people through artistic expression and the pursuit of a harmonious future.

The circular motif—an emblematic symbol in many cultures—was recreated on stage, representing life itself and the invisible bond that connects art lovers worldwide.

The event featured two esteemed guest artists, Steve Wikviya Larance and Shandien Sonwai Larance, Native American dancers from a family with a long-standing tradition of circle dancing.

Having performed at prestigious international events and won multiple awards, they mesmerised audiences with their graceful movements and storytelling through motion.

Their captivating dance transforms flowing circles into dynamic representations of nature, wildlife, humanity, and cultural heritage.

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A hoop dance at the event

The audience also enjoyed the vibrant and expressive fancy dance, a traditional froam central to Native American community life. Against lively music, young men donned elaborate, striking costumes to convey the strength, skill, and resilience of their people.

A key highlight of the programme was the seamless integration of Vietnamese and American musical traditions. Young artists from the Viet Nam National Academy of Music introduced the distinctive sounds of the ‘dan bau’ (monochord zither) and ‘dan t’rung’ (bamboo xylophone), weaving gentle melodies that guided the movements of the circle and feather dances.

Artists from both countries collaborated on a performance of ‘Chiec Khan Pieu’ (Pieu Scarf), a Vietnamese folk song, blending the colours of Viet Nam’s Northwest region with Indigenous American dance. The artistic fusion delighted audiences, who responded with enthusiastic applause.

Another highlight was an impromptu duet between the traditional Native American flute and the Vietnamese bamboo flute, performed by Steve Wikviya Larance and Vietnamese artist Hai An. The interplay between the two folk instruments created a harmonious symphony, drawing listeners into a shared cultural heartbeat.

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A highlight of the event was an impromptu duet between the traditional Native American flute and the Vietnamese bamboo flute

Promoting cultural exchange and diversity

For years, international exchanges have been a defining feature of Vietnamese exhibitions at world expos. Beyond showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage and musical traditions, these initiatives present a youthful, dynamic, and globally integrated image of Viet Nam.

Such collaborations help foster both deeper understanding and respect for cultural diversity, building a more connected and sustainable international community.

Earlier at EXPO 2025, the Viet Nam Pavilion joined the Saudi Arabia Pavilion in hosting a traditional music exchange, highly praised by international visitors.

The success of these partnerships with US and Saudi Arabian artists further solidified Viet Nam’s proactive and creative role in international arts exchanges.

The Native American Hoop Dance is a powerful storytelling tradition in which dancers use hoops—often made from natural materials like willow or reed—to create symbolic shapes representing animals, stories, and spiritual concepts, all while moving to traditional music. Historically, this dance was a ritual used to restore balance for those facing physical, mental, or spiritual hardship. Today, hoop dancing embodies harmony with nature and a connection to life’s positive forces.

Native American Fancy Dance, by contrast, is a visually striking and highly performative dance style frequently showcased at community festivals and powwows. With rapid, energetic movements and dazzling costumes, it represents youthful spirit, resilience, and cultural pride.

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