it seems that, no people here tell you what is dance? honestly I dont know as well, but this photo as if cut from the thai Movie, i dont know the name of movie... looks from the outfit, she is from southern laos like salavan or attapeu.
It is called a Sword Dance or in Lao "fon daab". By looking at her costume, she is either a Tai Lu or Khmu from Northern Laos.
Yes, you are right, this is Khmu, now official language call ‘Kirmmu’ they are from central and mostly from north of Laos. There are so many groups for people from Southern of Laos that look similar such as Katang, Taliang, Ko, Lavea, Lavane etc..., but their languages are completely different from Kmhu. This group of people they belief in sprit and sword is part of their belief, thus most of their activities will be involved with swords, I have so many Khmu and Hmong friends back in 1987 to 1992 when I studied at lower and upper-High school. After my study I went to every part of the country and of course I understands these languages, too.
