Meet Viet Dang | Choreographer, Dancer, Actor, Artist.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Viet Dang and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Viet, what makes you happy? Why?
It’s the simple and natural things in life that makes me happy. I am a very minimalist person. So I like things simple and with ease. I usually try to follow the joy and that’s the my guide in life. So as long as thing sparks joy I follow it and if not I let it be. And being simple its easier to let go of things than being tangle up in clutter.

Please tell us more about your art. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally? Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I’m a pretty intuitive person. I followed my intuition to move from Europe to Los Angeles in 2010 and my intuition led me to work and dance with amazing artists like Beyonce, Rihanna, Christina Aguilera, Katy Perry, Will.I.AM and Gwen Stefani just to name a few. My latest endeavor was starring in a music video “On the Road to Find Out” for the infamous Cat/Yusuf Stevens which was just featured in Rolling Stone Magazine.

I have also acted in a few commercials and films for various directors and commercial projects. I tend not to follow any trends or social norms, I enjoy just being me, following my intuition and joy. This mindset also influences the way I choreograph, dance, act, move, eat, walk and talk. lol

I used to hustle for jobs and opportunities, but nowadays I don’t believe in competition or hustle anymore. I believe that the more we seek things out of lack, the more of lack we attract. Once I made that shift in my psyche, I decided to work with people, projects and things that I truly believe in and that make me happy. Since then, the right people and projects have been drawn to me. I have learned over my years of working in this industry that the most successful people are very intuitive. It’s their belief in their intuition that lead them to where they are, which is exactly where they are supposed to be. For me, I think this is the most healthy and peaceful way to find happiness and success.

I have learned that the best things and projects in life will find their way to me. I no longer feel the need to prove anything to anyone; the right people see me and my true essence. These have become the most gratifying and memorable moments for me. Being my authentic self has proven to be more than enough.

As far as my brand is concerned, I don’t know if I really have one, not one that I can define at least. I wear my art on my sleeve, when you see me and I speak to you then you’ll know and you’ll see me. This town is full of talented people, some represented and some not.  I don’t really think it matters though, when you vibe with someone and their art you just do, period.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
When my friends come over (mostly from Europe) I tell them to get the Uber app and a working phone, and then I drop them off at one of the many bright shiny tourist destinations. Lol. I’m not big on being a tour guide. I think people should experience the famous tourist sites not their own; Hollywood Boulevard, Santa Monica Pier, Disney, Universal etc… but when they get tired of all of that, I’m ready to show them the real LA! K-Town for Korean BBQ, Hiking at Griffith Park, drinking tea at Trails Café in the middle of the woods are just a few things that to me are authentically LA. It’s fascinating how close we are to nature in LA. Once my guests have grounded themselves, I’d show them Little Tokyo or Atwater Village for a croissant and Proof Bakery….I’ll also likely have to teach a dance class in one of many dance studios I teach at (EXPG, HeartBeatHouse, EgdePAC) and have them watch or make them participate!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
To all the people who made it easy for me to leave behind my country, family and friends to follow my dreams….You know who you are. And shoutout to Michal A. Singer’s book “The Surrender Experiment” and the “Untethered Soul”

Website: www.vietdang.com
Instagram: dangdangviet
Youtube: www.youtube.com/dancingviet

Image Credits
Nils Schwarz
Ian Max Ian