Lamvong – a traditional Lao dance
Lao People's Democratic Republic, or Laos, has a long tradition of folk dancing. The most popular folk dance is Lamvong ([lám wóŋ]), which means 'circle dance'.
Lamvong involves many people dancing continuously in a circle, slowly moving their arms and legs and bending their fingers to the music. Dancers move their hands in opposite directions, one to the left and one to the right.
Lamvong is a slow and graceful social dance with men forming an inner circle and women an outer circle. Couples dance around each other while moving in their own circles and being circled by others in the group.
Dancers usually invite any foreign visitors to join in Lamvong to make them feel welcome. Guests may find Lamvong difficult at first, but they quickly get used to the hand and foot movements of the dance. It is the slow and delicate gestures that make Lamvong so special.