"It became a fusion of cultures": MT Pop on Red Bull Dance Your Style win

MT Pop: Becoming the first-ever Vietnamese winner of Red Bull Dance Your Style is a huge honour and a deeply meaningful achievement. This win gave me a chance to showcase my passion on a global stage, and it inspired me to keep pushing my limits. It’s a moment I’ll always cherish.

It represents not just my personal dedication to dance, but also the recognition of Vietnamese street dance on a global stage. Winning this title feels like a culmination of years of hard work, passion and learning, and it’s a testament to the vibrant dance community in Vietnam. For me, it’s also about breaking barriers and inspiring others in my country to follow their dreams, no matter where they come from or how big the challenge seems. It’s a victory for all the dancers who strive to make their mark, and I’m proud to represent Vietnam in this global competition.

When T handed me the victory instead of going for the tie-break round, I saw it as a beautiful gesture in dance. I have a lot of respect for T’s action, as it reflected a sense of honour and mutual recognition in the competition. It wasn’t just about winning; it was about showing respect and acknowledging each other’s efforts. I felt truly grateful and admired that moment.

I’ve always been drawn to movement and expression, and dance became a way for me to tell stories and connect with others. I was around 12 years old when I first discovered street dance and I instantly knew it was something I wanted to pursue. It wasn’t just about the moves; it was about the energy, the creativity and the freedom it gave me. From that moment, I was hooked and began dedicating myself to improving, learning from others and expressing myself through dance.

I fell in love with popping when I started to dive deeper into it. As I learned more about the style, the intricate techniques and how it allows for creative expression, I became more fascinated. The control, precision and the way it connects with the music really captured me, and from then on, I knew this was the style I wanted to pursue.

I realised I could have a professional career as a dancer when I started getting more recognition for my skills and began competing in larger tournaments. Over time, I saw how much my dancing resonated with others, and I started getting opportunities to teach internationally. It became clear to me that if I continued to work hard, stay dedicated and keep pushing myself creatively, I could make dancing my career. The moment I felt the community’s support and belief in me was when I knew this could be my future.

My style is creative and joyful. It’s all about being myself and expressing my individuality through movement. I focus on creating a connection – whether it’s with the music, the audience, or the energy of the moment. Confidence is also a big part of my style; it allows me to fully commit to my ideas and bring them to life. At its core, my style is a reflection of who I am, blending freedom, emotion and originality.

Yes, I’m part of a crew called X-Clown. We’re a group of passionate dancers who focus on pushing the boundaries of street dance. We’ve worked hard to build a strong community, support each other’s growth and showcase our skills at competitions and events. Being part of X-Clown has been a huge part of my journey, as we constantly inspire and challenge each other to improve.

In addition to being part of X-Clown, I’m also a member of Playboyzlnc from the USA. It’s a great opportunity to connect with dancers internationally, learn from each other and collaborate on projects. Being part of both crews allows me to expand my perspective and grow as a dancer, while also representing Vietnam on a global scale.

I train almost every day, focusing on different aspects of my dancing, from technique to freestyle and choreography.

As for inspiration, I find it in many places. Sometimes, it’s in the energy of the street or at local events, where I can connect with other dancers. I also draw inspiration from music, travel and interacting with different cultures. I feel the most creative when I’m in a space where I can express myself freely, whether that’s in the studio, at a jam, or even just practising alone. The key for me is staying open-minded and letting new experiences influence my dance.

Outside of dancing, I have a passion for music, especially exploring different genres and rhythms. Music is another form of expression that deeply influences my dance and creativity. I also enjoy learning about different cultures and travelling, as it broadens my perspective and fuels my inspiration.

If I weren’t pursuing dance, I think I’d be drawn to a career in something creative, where I can still work with art and expression. I’ve always been fascinated by how different forms of creativity come together, so a career that allows me to work in the arts would still feel fulfilling.