A Journey Of Belonging

Our very own Ms. Linh Rateau (Founder & Director of Dancenter, Vietnam) was recently interviewed by The Saigon Times!

In the article, she opens up about her deep passion for dance, her journey in choosing Vietnam as her second home, and the mission behind building a strong and vibrant dance community right here in Ho Chi Minh City.

From humble beginnings to the thriving Dancenter we know today, Ms. Linh shares what it means to create connection, confidence, and creativity through dance.

Don’t miss this beautiful story - a celebration of vision, dedication, and heart! Read the full interview below!

Ms. Linh is interviewed by the Saigon Times, sharing her inspiring story and dreams for the future.

With a deep connection to her Vietnamese heritage, Linh Rateau, founder and director of Dancenter Vietnam and a member of the International Dance Council of UNESCO, returned to her father’s homeland with a dream. In an interview with The Saigon Times, Linh reflects on her personal journey to reconnect with her roots and build a thriving dance community, which grew from a small garage to a spacious, dedicated studio.

The Saigon Times: How did your Vietnamese heritage influence your decision to return to Vietnam?

Linh Rateau: I was 20 years old when I first came to Vietnam. Visiting my father’s homeland had always been a childhood dream. During that trip, I immersed myself in Vietnamese culture, seeking to connect with my roots. At the time, I had no idea I would one day open Dancenter Vietnam. I spent three months at the HCMC Ballet School, where I met others who shared my passion for dance. It was through these connections and learning about their lives that I began to envision a future here.

What aspects of Vietnamese culture did you see as familiar or different when you first arrived in Vietnam?

Everything was unfamiliar because I was born and raised in France by my French mother. I had very little knowledge of Vietnamese culture, so I was full of curiosity. When I first arrived in 1997, many people in Vietnam were leading a difficult life, which was quite shocking for me at 20 years old. However, I was immediately charmed by the positive attitude of the Vietnamese people, who kept smiling despite the challenges they were facing. This warmth and resilience made me fall in love with the country.

How has reconnecting with your Vietnamese roots influenced your personal identity and professional goals?

In 2001, I returned to Vietnam after feeling that my first trip was too brief. I planned to stay for a year to immerse myself more deeply in the culture. Living in Vietnam taught me patience—there were moments when I didn’t understand the language or the culture, and I had to be patient with myself and others. This experience broadened my perspective, influencing both my personal growth and my professional approach to running Dancenter Vietnam.

How has your French and Vietnamese background influenced your integration into the local community and your approach to running Dancenter Vietnam?

I’ve lived in Vietnam for 23 years, and my family and friends in France often say I’m becoming more Vietnamese. It’s hard to define, but I’ve blended aspects of both cultures into my identity. At Dancenter Vietnam, we work in an international environment with professionals and students from various continents, which enriches me personally. Learning from people with different backgrounds has made me more open-minded, and I believe this openness contributes to the center’s success. We welcome everyone warmly, creating a happy and comfortable atmosphere.

What first inspired you to create Dancenter Vietnam?

When I returned to Vietnam in 2001, I was young and idealistic. I had some savings, lived modestly, and thought I could live like many Vietnamese people. But I soon realized I needed a job to sustain myself. I started as a volunteer dance teacher at a school for street children, and later, I taught at a French school. Over time, I wanted my students from different backgrounds to come together and share their passion for dance. That’s how the idea for Dancenter Vietnam was born—a place where all my students could gather and connect through dance.

What were some of the initial challenges you faced when starting Dancenter Vietnam, and how did you address them?

One of the main challenges was managing the business side because I didn’t have a background in business. Opening a company involved tasks like accounting and legal matters, which were all new to me. I learned along the way, but having a supportive team was crucial. For example, my office manager, who has been with me for 17 years, guided me through the business aspects. Language was another barrier. Although I took Vietnamese classes and can communicate daily, I rely on colleagues for formal interactions. Overcoming these challenges was possible thanks to the help of my team.

How do you define the mission of Dancenter Vietnam, and how has it evolved over time?

Dance has been my passion since childhood, growing up with a dance teacher mother. For me, dance is an art form that allows people to express themselves through movement, sharing stories and emotions without words. The mission of Dancenter Vietnam is to create a space where people can freely express themselves

through dance. Over time, we’ve expanded beyond offering classes for children and adults to supporting choreographers and artists through our residence program. We provide space for artists to practice and develop their projects, fostering a community where students, teachers, and artists inspire each other.

What challenges did you face when finding a location for Dancenter Vietnam, and how did you overcome them?

Initially, we operated in a garage in Binh Thanh District, which we converted into a dance studio. One challenge was finding a space without columns, as most buildings in Vietnam have columns that interfere with dance practice. As the number of students grew, we needed a bigger space. With the help of our office manager, we spent months searching and eventually rented land to build a studio tailored to our needs. Overcoming these challenges was possible by seeking advice and surrounding myself with knowledgeable people.

What sets Dancenter Vietnam apart from other dance studios?

Dancenter Vietnam is more than just a dance school. While we offer classes for both children and adults, we also provide a space for choreographers and artists through our residence program. Unlike other studios that focus solely on teaching, we support artists by offering them space and resources to develop their projects. We collaborate with these artists, sometimes producing their shows, which creates a dynamic environment where students can be inspired by professional choreographers. Our international connections also allow us to invite artists from around the world to collaborate with our dancers, fostering a multicultural and supportive environment.

Can you share some success stories or notable achievements of Dancenter Vietnam?

One success story is Minh, a former student who is now a dance teacher at Dancenter and a choreographer with a show premiering soon. Another student landed a lead role in The Music Hall in London, while another won a competition in Australia and now lives there. These accomplishments reflect how the education and support we provide help our students pursue professional careers in dance. Beyond individual successes, I’m proud of the community we’ve built at Dancenter, where dancers support each other and celebrate achievements together.

How do you stay current with trends and developments in the dance industry, both locally and internationally?

Staying updated with dance trends is essential since dance, like any art form, is always evolving. I attend local dance shows and performances to observe talented choreographers, and internationally, I maintain connections through our network in France and other French-speaking countries. I also participate in dance festivals in Singapore and attend summit conferences twice a year as a member of the International Council of Dance of UNESCO, where I exchange ideas with active members from 170 countries. These conferences cover various topics, including pedagogy and creative processes, which are incredibly inspiring. The internet also provides access to the latest creations and trends from important choreographers worldwide. All these activities help me keep an open mind and continuously learn from different cultures and environments.

What are your future plans for Dancenter Vietnam ?

My future plans for Dancenter Vietnam focus on growth while deepening our roots. After the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, I’ve shifted from rapid expansion to reinforcing and improving our existing programs. Now that Dancenter Vietnam is 17 years old, our aim is to grow steadily, but our priority is to maintain and enhance the quality of our programs and community. This includes supporting our team— both office staff and faculty—in their continued learning and professional development. We plan to pursue opportunities that align with our mission, fostering a collaborative and passionate environment where everyone can thrive. Our vision remains unchanged: to be a place where people feel empowered to express themselves through dance, and we will continue to uphold this vision as we move forward.

Article Name: A Journey Of Belonging

Publication: The Saigon Times Weekly

Author: Reported by The Ky