I am Anh Thu
and I Waack!
WAACKING
Waacking is a street dance style distinguished by its rotational arm movements, posing, and emphasis on expressiveness. Typically performed in disco music, the style allows me the freedom to embody drama and character through diverse modes of self-expression. With my favorite crop tops and powder blushes on, I couldn’t care less about the excess fat in my upper arms as music guides my body, embracing the personal story - the drama - each character holds. Be it an undefeated champion, a heartbroken lover, or a passionate admirer, Waacking, to me, feels like an escape from life to take on other personas that are brimming with emotion and creativity.
A passionate admirer
BATTLE
A dance battle is a dynamic showcase where dancers take turns on the dance floor to exhibit their skills within a designated set of rules. Connecting with a passionate network of young individuals—young men confidently wearing dresses, young women fearlessly performing head spins—I, too, am inspired to represent Waacking with confidence and drama. Sad, mad, angsty, and euphoric, every battle that I take on is a chance for me to portray my honest self through multiple layers of emotions. Rolling dramatically in chorus and letting movement flow on beat, I learn more about myself and from others. In the community, there is “No standing, just dancing”.
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HBDC
High School Best Dance Crew (HBDC) is the largest dance battle competition for high school students in Northern Vietnam. Entering its 6th season with the theme “ACE” (The Trump Card), HBDC aims to promote a deep appreciation for this street art form among future generations, attracting thousands of attendees. Within the competition, I participated as a dancer - member of Nguyen Hue Dance Club (NDC). It was through a range of HBDC events that I have had the opportunity to embrace and showcase my full potential as a Waacker, a partner, and a leader.
HBDC ONLINE VOTING. “Please don’t cry”, performed and choreographed by NDC
HBDC Community. An HBDC kick-off event that allows every dancer under the age of 21 years old to participate. As a Waacker, each step I took on the dance floor was a step of authenticity and liberation. In a simple cargo pant, I could not hear anything else but the driving emotions urging me to move.
HBDC Konnect
An annual event reserved for competing dance crews to experience and practice tactics on 1vs1, 3vs3, and 5vs5 battles.
CHOREOGRAPHY
Choreography is the art of gathering and organizing movements into order and pattern. A dance choreography, specifically, embraces musicality and creativity. To me, the articulation of movements closely incorporated with the flow of music serves as a channel for exploration. Elaborating on different layers of a beat, especially in disco music, I found myself gradually transforming into characters within each song, allowing its meaning to inspire body movement. It is the meaningful connection that awakens emotions deep within, unleashing ideas and self-expression.
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FPTU HOLA SHOWCASE
FPTU Hola Showcase is a choreography competition organized by FPT University for high school students in Nothern Vietnam. Performing before nearly 700 people on the final night, NDC was awarded “Style” prize.
“MVT” (Most Valuable Team) choreographed by NDC
HOLA SHOWCASE GALLERY
