Dancing is source of life, says new champion

23-year-old Lam Minh Hai has become winner of the first season of the Vietnamese version of the American reality show So You Think You Can Dance which concluded last weekend.

At the final night, Hai beat three other rivals Hong Nhung, To Nhu - the first runner-up - and Quang Dang - the second runner up - to receive the highest prize and VND400 million (US$19,211) in cash.

Talking about his victory, the new champion said dancing skill is not something he was born with, it’s something he’s gained from practice.

“I used to dance horribly, and has got much better now thanks to practicing. Some people were born to be dancers, I’m a dancer thanks to practice,” he said. “I spend 4 hours per day practicing. Dancing is a special career; you have to put effort into it if you want to go far with it.”

Hai (2nd from R, first row) reacts after knowing he's the the winner at the final night at the HCMC's Maximark Cong Hoa Stadium on December 15, 2012. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Chi Anh, a member of the competition’s jury, commented Hai absolutely deserved to be the winner since he can do almost all types of dance and have quality of a dancer.

“How far Hai can go on this road depends on himself. The environment of dancing in Vietnam is more open, and I believe that people like Hai can be successful,” he added.

Hai said he realized his big love of dancing when he auditioned for a slot in the dancing crew for singer My Tam in 2008. After a time of hard working, Hai now is leader of the group M.T.E, the official dancing crew for My Tam.

Hai shares his happiness with other contestants. Photo: Tuoi Tre

To Hai, dancing has brought a lot of things to his life.

“It’s my biggest source of life. It’s brought me friends and fans who always support me on my way to conquer dancing, the tough career which is not much appreciated.”

Vinh Hai and To Nhu in the performance titled "Tarzan" at the final night. Photo: Tuoi Tre