by Nguyen Le Hung
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Beat it: Young members of the MJ dance club put on a show. — File Photo |
HA NOI — One year on from his demise, Michael Jackson will be honoured by Vietnamese fans with a tribute video.
On an exceptionally hot March afternoon, two young boys, probably aged twelve, were moon-walking to Billie Jean in front of the Viet Nam National Academy of Music. The sight has become familiar to other students since these boys have been practising their dance moves since last September.
The MJ dance club was founded in Ha Noi three months after Jackson's passing. Anyone can join for free. T¨ang Ngoc Tuyen, 23, is the founder of the club. At first glance, he's a tall and slim guy, who bears quite a resemblance to Jackson. But on closer look, the similarity is more than just appearance.
Graduated from the academy in classical guitar, Tuyen now devotes his time to the dance club. As he has always told his students, the vision of the club is neither fame nor wealth, it is about uniting MJ's fans and remembering him. Tuyen grew up listening to MJ's music and never once lost faith in his idol, even though that faith was frequently tested. The only thing he chose to believe was the music and dance.
Nghia, 12, who joined the club last October, shared: "I only knew of Michael's music after he died, but I fell in love with it right then." He is one of the best dancers in the club and his favourite MJ song is Billie Jean. Most of the members are just like Nghia, they only started listening and watching MJ after he died, and immediately joined the army of the King of Pop. For two hours each Tuesday, Thursday and weekend afternoons, 30 MJ fans practice their moves with Tuyen. They are hurriedly preparing for something they have been planning for months, a Michael Jackson music video based on the original Thriller.
The partly self-funded video is currently in its final stage of production and will be wrapped in two weeks. Tuyen has negotiated with several television stations across the country to air the video on the first anniversary of Michael's death on June 25. Starring all 30 members of the club, Tuyen wants this to be made by true fans of MJ, but still professional.
Besides making this video, the MJ dance club have also taken part in various activities. They have performed in various talent shows, bringing MJ's dance moves back on stage to thousands of screaming fans, some of whom later joined the club.
The club also wants to continue Jackson's work as a humanitarian by engaging in various charity events such as visiting children's villages around Ha Noi. This Saturday, they will participate in the national blood campaign and give their blood to patients in need.
Tuyen humbly shared: "I hope these events will not only keep MJ's talent and art alive but also his humanity. I really hope people will finally understand him."
After the Thriller video is complete and broadcast, the club will continue with their dancing and social schedule. Tuyen has already planned the next video, which will be about the union of people, equality, love, and ultimately, healing the world. They are looking for foreign MJ fans in Viet Nam for their second video.
When I asked him how his love for MJ survived, his voice broke: "For me, Michael was the biggest talent in the world, but also the most misunderstood of all. His songs said it all and I believe in him." — VNS