MEET THE STAFF
TRISTIEN NGUYEN
Tristien Nguyen is a dynamic dance educator and finalist at the 2024 World Hip Hop International Championships, with an impressive track record that includes 2nd place at the 2024 Vibe Dance Competition and 1st place wins at both the 2023 Resurgence Dance Competition and the 2022 Bridge Dance Competition. With 8 years of training in hip-hop and experience dancing on West Covina's All Male Team, he is currently a proud company member of Hyphen, a US national-winning team. At Charade, Tristien aims to inspire students to have fun while they dance, cultivating a passion for movement in a supportive environment. Specializing in hip-hop, house, popping, whacking, and afro, he has also been part of the skeleton crew for the global girl group Katseye. Among his most treasured accomplishments is choreographing for the 2024 World of Dance LA stage, a testament to his creativity and dedication to the dance community.
What’s a favorite memory from the early part of your career (particularly with the age groups you currently teach)?
When I first started dancing competitively, I decided to join my high school's all male dance team. This was the very first time I was in a team setting and so being surrounded by a group of peers striving towards a common goal was such an eye-opening experience. There was a time we had to do 200 pushups as a punishment. I have never been good at pushups and so I was dreading having to do them but once we started I watched my teammates cheer each other on and make sure everyone kept the same pace so no one was left behind. The passion and drive showcased by my brothers was extremely inspiring, their impact on me is something I will carry for the rest of my life.
Can you share a small story about what inspired you to pursue dance?
My first introduction to dance was from being in an arcade at 7 years old playing Dance Dance Revolution. I remember finding it very difficult at first, but after spending hours on the game I was finally able to complete a full game without failing and restarting. Even though I was struggling to get it down, I remember having so much fun trying to get the rhythm of different songs, and that feeling of accomplishment once I finished is something I will never forget. Since then, whenever I face difficulties in dance I always think back to how fun it felt to struggle while trying out something new!
Who has been a significant figure in your dance journey (mentor, teacher, etc.)?
I had the blessing of witnessing Sienna Lalau's rise to fame first-hand. At the beginning of my competitive dance journey the studio that was attached to my high school's hip hop team had invited Sienna to come in and help out with set building. She was only 15 or 16 at the time but I can wholeheartedly say that she was and still is the best dancer in the world in my eyes. She has taught me so many valuable concepts of dance when it comes to body control, stage presence, and power. The way she was able to command a room instantly when she would start dancing is something that I consistently strive for. Even with all of that talent she was still the most humble and genuine person to be around. Her energy was always so caring, despite my admiration I never felt scared to be myself around her. All love to Sienna always.
What advice would you give to young dancers or to yourself when you first started?
A phrase that I live by is "fear or love." Every decision you make can be based on whether you are fearing something or whether you love to do something. When it comes to dance you can either be too scared to mess up on stage or love dancing and performing so much that you're going to showcase your best self on stage even if you mess up. Also, never give up on yourself. If you really want something and apply yourself 100% you will always achieve whatever you set out to do.
What’s been the biggest challenge you've faced in your dance career, and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge I've faced in my dance career has to be keeping my passion alive when I had to move away from my dance community. Especially moving to a city where dance was nowhere to be found, I felt so lost in my journey and had so much trouble figuring out how to keep dancing. This was when I found a love for freestyle. Before moving, I was only used to learning choreography so I was terrified of freestyling. But when it became my only outlet for dance, I found refuge in figuring out what my own individual movement was and exploring how to move in different ways. Thinking back, I guess moving away was a blessing in disguise because I was able to find myself as a dancer and know how to set myself apart from everyone else.
///OUR TEAM
Our instructors are all professionally trained dancers who are committed to sharing their expertise and skills with you! Using their background knowledge of dance fundamentals and experience in professional performances and competitions, our instructors lead by example and passion, helping dancers grow into their potential.
