“Dance to Heaven” by Co Tu ethnic minority people

Co Tu ethnic minority people have preserved and promoted their unique traditional cultural and spiritual values, including their “dance to Heaven”.

The dancing group is led by the village patriarch, followed by men and boys.
The dancing group is led by the village patriarch, followed by men and boys.

This dance is for both men and women of the Co Tu ethnic minority group. The movements simulate both the working and daily life activities of the local people, such as harvesting rice, catching fish and hunting animals.

The dance has often been performed in major festivals of Co Tu people, including the buffalo stabbing festival, the ceremony to celebrate a new crop season, village building festival, and Guol house building festival. It has been considered as a way to connect with the heaven, their ancestors and gods.

The dance of rice harvesting

The high-pitched howl of the village patriarch expresses his strength and augustness.

Young men stimulate hunting activities.

Co Tu men and women perform the “dance to Heaven”.

Translated by NDO