Fonelamvonglao (lamvonglao)
Lao People's Democratic Republic
Inscribed in 2024 (19.COM) on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
© Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism (MICT), 2023 The fonelamvonglao is a celebratory dance practiced widely by Lao communities. It involves couples of men and women. To start the dance, the man typically invites the woman onto the dance floor. The men perform in an inner circle and the women perform in an outer circle, dancing in a counterclockwise direction. The dance consists of cycles of eight movements that are repeated for the duration of the song. The dancers count from one to eight in each cycle, with the number dictating the position of the feet and hands. Traditionally performed in villages, the dance is now practised widely in events ranging from weddings to conferences. It is associated with communal meals and meetings that unite families and communities. The related knowledge and skills are passed down informally through hands-on practice. The dance is also taught in many national and private performance arts colleges and promoted by cultural organizations. A symbol of identity and spirituality, the fonelamvonglao dance is also an embodiment of traditional and modern culture. It is an integral part of Lao community life that provides an opportunity for artistic and cultural expression. It promotes social cohesion within communities and at the national level.
