Twenty-nine-year-old John Huy Tran has choreographed many shows and worked as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor since moving to Ho Chi Minh City.

Since taking his first job in Vietnam as an instructor at L’Apothiquaire fitness center, Tran has had the chance to meet and cooperate with many locals and expats in Ho Chi Minh City.

“Dance and movement seems to be in my blood,” he said. “It comes to me very naturally, even easier than I read books or learn lessons. I have a background in dance, graduating from the Randolph Academy, as well as martial arts and gymnastics. I have danced with National Dance Canada, am a double black belt in taekwondo and was a national level gymnast. I think all types of movement have its own charm, everyone should enjoy the experience that dance offers.”

Tran has won accolades for his work on last month’s production of “Annie Get Your Gun,” the first Broadway musical performed in Vietnam, and Style Magazine’s Style night.

“After something called ’success’ in those projects, many places have asked me to do something ’like’ this or that from a show,” he said. “But I think art always needs creation, it’s better for us not to repeat ourselves.”

Tran is currently the artistic and performance consultant for Vietnam Idol television show and an instructor at HCMC’s Dancenter, teaching a range of styles. He has also cooperated with Hoang Thong Dance Company on many shows. This month, Tran and the Hoang Thong group will perform in the British Business Group Vietnam’s “Razzle Dazzle” anniversary show.

“The concept of contemporary dance is new to Vietnam,” Tran said. “It’s easy to see why Vietnamese people have not understood and accepted it. I know there are a lot of Vietnamese dancers pursuing this kind of art, and I am grateful to have had a chance to work with them. New things always need trail –blazers. I am trying to be that guy, and Vietnam is a really great destination for new things in a new age. Why don’t we just try and do it?”

Every day is a gift

Tran has lived in Vietnam for three years but he hasn’t yet had the chance to travel around the country.

“It’s a wonderful time of my life. I can do a lot of things I love, and be the one I want to be,” he said. “I love my job as a choreographer and instructor because, despite the language barrier, I and my partners still understand each other through the language of sound, movement and rhythm. Everyday is a gift, and to me, it is a constant learning experience.”

In Vietnam, Tran has had the chance to exercise his singing, dancing and acting skills and pass on his training in these areas to his Dancenter students. “My students are passionate. They love to dance and all I want to do is trying to make them thoroughly understand what they love,” Tran said.

Tran said being in charge of dance training for the contestants in “Vietnam Idol” was an interesting experience.

“When I first met the contestants of ‘Vietnam Idol,’ I tried to guess who would be the winner; it’s maybe a guy or something like that. But now I’ve given up. They are all improving and becoming more talented, round by round.”

Vietnam Idol is broadcast on HTV9 Wednesday nights at 8 p.m.

Reported by Kim