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Jazzercise: Thuy Linh (left) instructs her students in a complex move. — VNS Photo |
The unique jazz style, originating in the black American inner city areas of the United States, is starting to become popular in Viet Nam.
As a descendant of a wealthy family, Linh was not allowed to study hip-hop jazz. However, she eventually wore her mother down.
"When I asked my mum for permission, she refused. Her attitude only changed after watching me dance. She also asked me to teach her to dance," said Linh.
Linh's class of 11 students is always busy practicising.
"Hip hop jazz was brought to Viet Nam four years ago by Japanese professional dancer Hitomi Nguyen Thi Bau, who studied in the Teatoru University of Art. My two friends and I were her first students," said Linh.
In a ground floor space 20-30sq.m wide, Linh begins each practice session with a 45 minute warm-up to relax mind and body.
"There is a combination of acrobatics, ballet and a little bit of yoga at the beginning, so some people may think it's quite hard. On the contrary, it is suitable for anyone of any age," said Linh.
According to Linh, the most difficult, but most important part, of the technique is learning how to divide the whole body into parts—head, neck, shoulder, chest and waist—so that they can move independently from each other. Many of Linh's trainees were not patient enough to do this.
"This is quite a challenge because you have to learn how to keep your head moving while the rest of your body remains still," said Linh.
One of her students, a seventh grader and youngest member of the class Luu Ngoc Uyen, has been learning hip hop for one month and has already mastered every move. She is one of the best dancers Linh has taught.
"Dividing the body is not as hard as some people think. As for me, I am excited to learn this new kind of art because it makes my body stronger and feel more pleasant. It also helps reduce stress after school," said Uyen.
For those wondering why hip hop is involved with jazz, Linh said the dance combines the strength and wildness of hip hop and the flexibility and sexiness of jazz.
"This dance can promote creativity within each individual and bring freshness to the whole mind and body. You will feel like another person once you master it," said Linh.
Two other dancers teach different styles on the other days of the week.
"People can choose the class that they like. Whether you are male or female, you can attend a class, as long as you have real passion," said Linh.
One of Linh's close friends, Nguyen Huyen Chau, who works at the State Capital Investment Corporation (SCIC) and is also a hip hop jazz dancer, said her body became more slender after four years of dancing.
"I lost 2.5kg after studying hip-hop jazz. My job requires me to sit all day, so I suffer from a lot of pain. Thanks to this dance, I can work more easily," said Chau.
She is also no longer uncomfortable with her body. She now wears short skirts and leggings when she goes out with her boyfriend.
For Linh, compliments from her Japanese teacher and friends and establishing her own class motivate her.
"I used to be shy and afraid of revealing myself in front of others. Thanks to hip hop jazz, I had enough confidence to compete in the Miss Viet Nam 2010 contest," she said. Although she is busy working at the Asia-Europe Service Joint Stock Company, she still teaches in the evenings.
She's always attracting new students and has 50 at present.
"I believe this new trend will become more and more popular with Vietnamese youth. My teacher always told me not to wait for opportunities to come; you have to make your own! Thus, you should learn as much as you can when you are still young," said Linh. — VNS
