Choi Boo: Dancing helps the body stay healthy and flexible

Choi Boo - Nguyen Thi Hien, born in 1994, has a bachelor's degree in business administration majoring in hotel and restaurant management. After working as an office worker for nearly 2 years, she decided to "risk" quitting her job to study traditional folk dance performing arts. Choi Boo also studies rope yoga and hoop dancing.

Choi Boo’s family did not have a tradition of art, but she loved to join the school dance team when she was still a student. At the age of 26, Choi Boo started studying dance professionally with love and determination to do what she wanted. “The times standing on stage, even though small and unprofessional, nurtured my passion, until I stepped out of my comfort zone and chose to stick with dance,” she said.

Dance: passion and challenge

“Dance is not only a passion but also a challenge” is Choi Boo’s admission when she started “the days of living with dance”. In 2019, when studying at Ho Chi Minh City Dance College (2-year program), Boo was one of 8 students who graduated even though the initial class size was 21. She was trained in 4 dance genres: contemporary, ethnic folk, European classical (ballet), and foreign character.

“If you love dancing, don't be afraid to start practicing hard and persistently "sow the seeds" for your life to blossom” - CHOI BOO said.

“Behind the stage lights are sweat, tears, and even blood from injuries of dancers. Love or passion is just the first step, but perseverance and diligence are the keys to overcoming hardships and following through with the learning process. At that time, I had a very difficult time, had to work part-time but never wanted to drop out of school. Even when I was injured or sprained my ankle, I still tried to go to class to watch my teacher and classmates practice because every moment of learning to dance was precious to me,” Boo recalled.

Choi Boo said she especially loves ballet and traditional folk dance. “Ballet is an elegant depiction of every emotion, a perfect combination of light, color, body language and classical music . Vietnamese folk dance combined with traditional musical instruments and traditional costumes has a soft and graceful yet vibrant style, containing unique cultural beauty, reflecting the soul, living habits, beauty of work, life and traditional identity of the region through each typical dance” - Boo said.

“Secret” to being a photo model

Choi Boo, although not a professional model in the true sense, was fortunate to be invited by many brands and photographers to model for dance photos. She said: “This is also a challenge because a dance model requires a balanced body, performance techniques and harmonious facial expressions. For example, I need to perform a beautiful split in the air while also having a “radiant” or “soulful” facial expression for the photo to be called a “perfect moment”. Not to mention when taking photos with props such as silk strips, conical hats, and non quai thao hats, the body and facial expressions must be in sync with the props.”

Choi Boo's dance through the lens of photographer Doan Quang.

Therefore, Choi Boo must maintain her physical strength and endurance. Sometimes she has to repeat a movement dozens of times so that the photographer can capture the most satisfactory photo on the green rice fields or the deep blue sea. In addition, other experiences include choosing outfits carefully, having spare items for unexpected situations, choosing makeup styles that match the concept, and preparing a few dances related to the theme to nurture emotions throughout the photoshoot.

“Before the shoot, I always eat as lightly as possible and limit my water intake so that my body feels comfortable and light but still has enough energy to work all day long. I am lucky to stay in shape because of the high intensity of training and performing. I pay attention to drinking enough water and replenishing minerals after days of heavy training or filming in hot weather,” Boo added.

Choi Boo said that in 2025 she will continue to improve her expertise in dance and yoga, and take on projects as a dance model. “I want to combine teaching dance and learning yoga as a way to connect comprehensive health. Regular yoga helps improve endurance, balance the mind, and at the same time complements my dance movements to be more flexible,” she said.

What would you like to share with young people who want to learn ballet even though it requires "hard training" and has few career opportunities?
- I think every job has its own difficulties and with dancing, loving it is not enough, you also have to try to endure hardships and suffering to dare to follow and go the long way with the profession.
Career opportunities for artists and dancers are now more open than before. Those who pursue a career in dance can work in theaters, dance troupes, perform live shows, or accept shows on a free schedule. Dance has a relatively short career span, so you can think about switching to choreography, teaching dance, or taking dance photos if you no longer perform. The important thing is that the direction is suitable for your passion and improves your professional skills.

Cam Thuy

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/dong-nai-cuoi-tuan/202503/choi-boo-nghe-mua-giup-co-the-khoe-manh-deo-dai-15d6102/