Launched in late October by the Gia Lai Provincial Trade Union, the competition—titled “Gia Lai Workers Dance to the Great Highland Rhythm”—has drawn strong participation from commune- and ward-level unions throughout the province.
Each participating unit is required to submit at least one video clip lasting one to two minutes, following a standard choreography provided by the provincial federation.
Under the rules, performances must incorporate traditional dance movements of Central Highlands ethnic minorities, while encouraging creativity in scripting, staging and the integration of local, institutional and indigenous cultural imagery. Entries will be evaluated from December 21 to 25, with judges’ scores accounting for 80% of the total and audience engagement, measured by likes and shares on the Gia Lai Trade Union Fanpage, making up the remaining 20%.
According to organisers, the contest has so far received nearly 50 entries, each reflecting distinctive artistic approaches and local identities.
Nguyễn Thị Thanh Thủy, Vice President of the provincial Labour Federation, said the initiative aims to preserve and promote the cultural identity of Central Highlands communities while fostering a spirit of emulation among union members and workers, both within Gia Lai and across social media platforms.
One of the most visible entries, “Vũ điệu đại ngàn – Màu xanh môi trường” (Great Highland Dance – The Green of the Environment), features 20 members of the grassroots Trade Union of the Tây Sơn Commune Clean Water and Environment Management Board. The video has recorded more than 13,200 views along with hundreds of likes, comments and shares.
The performance integrates the unit’s professional activities, including clean water supply, environmental management, urban lighting and green space maintenance. Nguyễn Văn Tin, Deputy Head and Chairman of the grassroots trade union, said participants studied the sample choreography, sought guidance from cultural experts and practised outside working hours to ensure the performance met the contest’s artistic requirements.
In Quy Nhơn Ward, 10 officials and workers from the ward-level trade union spent a week rehearsing for their entry. Wearing traditional Ê Đê attire, female members performed energetic folk dance movements. The video also showcases local landmarks, including the headquarters of the Vietnam Fatherland Front and affiliated organisations, the Victory Monument and the Provincial Convention Center.
Nguyễn Phạm Thanh Hoàng, Vice President of the ward’s Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee and President of the Quy Nhơn Ward Trade Union, said the rehearsal process served as a platform for cultural exchange. After completing the video, the union encouraged members to actively engage with and share not only their own entry but also those from other units.
Several other grassroots trade unions in Quy Nhơn Ward have also submitted entries, contributing to the festive atmosphere ahead of the first Gia Lai Provincial Trade Union Congress, scheduled for December 29–30.
Another standout submission came from the grassroots Trade Union of Sen Vàng Private Kindergarten in Thống Nhất Ward. Drawing on close interaction with local ethnic minority communities, the school’s staff incorporated distinctive Jrai cultural elements and imagery of Biển Hồ (Sea Lake) into their performance.
“What we hope for is not just the prize, but the opportunity to showcase the beauty of the land and people where we live and work,” said Ksor H’Hê Mi, a teacher at Sen Vàng Private Kindergarten and a member of the performance team.
