Hmong fashion show unveils new talent
A 16-year-old beauty, Ms Yer Vang, won first prize at a Hmong fashion
show held in Xaythany district in Vientiane over the weekend.

The well presented and intelligent Ms Yer is a member of the well-
known performance group Nasala, which explains her excellent singing,
dancing and stage presence.

Audience members were captivated by her beautiful voice when she sang
the traditional song Khubthoum , bestowing praises on government
leaders in her mother tongue...more info and photos >>

Ms Yer also won the popular vote from the audience in addition to
being awarded first place by the judges.

Over two nights, audiences flocked to enjoy the spectacular fashion
show and performances of traditional Hmong dancing and singing.

Thirty-one participants from the district were selected to take part
in the show by showcasing traditional Hmong clothing and culture,
while competing for prizes.

Ms Chua Her, a 17-year-old participant taking a course in
environmental studies at the National University of Laos, said after a
month of rehearsals and preparation she had learnt how to live
alongside different people and express and share ideas and feelings.



She decided to take part in the show because she wanted to entertain
people with her singing and dancing skills.

“I felt so excited about performing on stage with friends in front of
a crowd. I believe the show has helped build up my confidence and
ability,” Ms Chua Her said.

A highlight of the event was a group dance involving all participants
dressed in traditional Hmong costumes that originated from Luang
Prabang, Xieng Khuang and Huaphan provinces.

Various community groups from Xaythany district were invited to
entertain audiences with singing and dancing performances during the
event.

Xaythany District Governor Bounthong Phommachan said the fashion show
was held to coincide with the Hmong New Year which occurs next month,
and aimed to promote tourism in the district.



“We spent a lot of effort and resources to organise this show because
we want to preserve and encourage Hmong culture, so people in Laos and
foreign countries can learn more about Hmong people and their customs
and traditions,” he said.

“Their performances on stage will provide much pride for Hmong people
and encourage them to preserve and promote their cultural identity.”
Mr Bounthong hoped the success of the event would encourage other
ethnic groups to organise similar shows to preserve their cultures.

Organisers hope the event will became an annual affair.

By Vientiane Times
More photos at
http://www.activeboard.com/forum.spark?forumID=98894&p=3&topicID=22755395

The selection of Nang Sankan (Miss Lao New Year) in Luang Prabang finally came to an end last night and the most beautiful girl who crowned Miss Luang Prabang this year went to Miss Salak Phetsioudomphan, representing Xieng Muang village, Luang Prabang province. Back in year 2545 in Lao calendar or 5 years ago, her sister was also crowned the title of Miss Luang Prabang.

More information and photos are available here :.

More photos, click here

Miss Lao Charity Quest or Nang Sangkharne pageant is held annually by the Lao Community in Sydney, Australia. The aims were to select Miss Sungkharne for the Lao new year celebration, raising fund for The Lao Sunday school, creating awareness to the younger Lao generation about our beautiful Lao culture and tradition, any boys and girls can take part in this event.

Every Miss Sangkharne has her own partner as well as a flower girl (not shown on the photos) that’s why it was mentioned earlier that any boys and girls can take part in this event, after all, it’s for everyone to get involve, although we are mostly emphasis on Miss Sangkharne, that is Nang Sangkharne all about but the boys and the flower girls are worth mentioning. Lots effort and dedication, not to mention numerous of hours were put into it to make the event happen. Miss Sangkharne pageant cannot be operated without the love and support from their family especially the parents, friends and relatives to be involved in the whole process or event

All of Miss Sangkharnes are winners in their own right, they all beautiful, they have won the hearts and minds of the audience as well as the Lao community as a whole.

Apart from taking part, they also get to learn more about Lao culture, tradition, feeling proud to be able to do something useful for the Lao Community, by the time the Lao new year celebration is over, they will be gaining lots of Laotian friends, self confidence, learning Lao tradition, and the most important thing of all was gaining more Laotian friends along the way. That's why everyone is a winner.
I was fortunate to be the official photographer for the night to capture this wonderful event on photos to share them with you. This shows that Lao people in Australia are still strongly believed in preserving Lao way of life and tradition which has been carried on by many generations. It’s up to us all to keep this wonderful tradition vibrant and alive.

I wish to thank the Lao Community, the participants and everyone who have made this event possible for us all to see.