Minh Truong and Minh Cuong: A Family´s Journey from Vietnam to Blackpool
Ahead of the 2026 WDSF DanceSport Festival by BDDANCE x UDANCE in Blackpool, the story of Vietnam’s Minh Trương and his son Minh Cương offers a deeply human perspective on DanceSport, one that goes beyond results and rankings.
At its heart, this is not simply a story about competition, but about connection. About a father and a son who, through DanceSport, share experiences that go far beyond the dance floor, travelling together, learning together, and growing side by side within the same global community.
This year, that journey takes on a special meaning. In Blackpool, one of the most iconic stages in DanceSport, they will not only be present at the same event, they will share it. Competing in the same international environment, each in their own category, but united by the same passion, the same sacrifices, and the same family bond.
In the lead-up to the Festival, we spoke with them about ambition, responsibility, and what it truly means to experience DanceSport as a family.
A Shared Stage
Looking back at your journey, what does it mean to now share the dance floor with your son at international competitions such as Blackpool?
“It is a very special feeling and a great source of pride for me,” Minh Trương said.
“In the past, I competed on my own. But now, standing on the same international stage as my son, especially at Blackpool, this is no longer just about competition. It is a shared journey as a family.
I feel truly happy that my son can experience this environment, grow through it, and begin his own path in DanceSport.”
As both a father and a dancer, how do you balance your personal ambitions with your role in guiding and inspiring your son?
“It is not easy,” Minh Trương admitted. “I still have my own competitive goals, but as a father, I also feel a strong responsibility to guide my son. I want to lead by example. I love my son, I deeply appreciate how hard my wife has worked, and I also care greatly about the Vietnamese national team. That is why I must continue to push myself, not only for personal achievement, but also to inspire those around me.”
What values do you hope to pass on to Minh Cương through dance?
“The most important values my wife and I want to teach our son are perseverance and determination,” Minh Trương explained.
“When Kubi sees his father continuing to train and compete, he understands how difficult it is to pursue a sport like DanceSport. It requires strong will, discipline, and consistency.”
For Minh Trương, DanceSport is more than performance: “It is a journey where I learned patience, respect, sportsmanship, and communication. These are the values I want to pass on, not only to my son, but also to the younger generation.”
The Meaning of Blackpool
What makes Blackpool and the Festival such a special experience?
“Blackpool has always been a dream for every DanceSport athlete,” Minh Trươngsaid. “It is where the best dancers in the world gather, and being able to compete there is a great honour. This year is even more meaningful because I will be sharing that experience with my son. It is a memory we will carry with us for life.”
“Blackpool has always been a dream for every DanceSport athlete.”
Through Minh Truog’s Eyes
While Minh Trươngspeaks from experience, discipline, and responsibility, Minh Cương offers a different perspective, one shaped by curiosity, excitement, and the simple joy of discovering the world through DanceSport.
Minh Cương, what is it like for you to see your father competing and to follow in his footsteps?
“I think my father is very strong and works very hard, so I want to try my best like him,” Minh Cương commented.” I feel very happy when I can travel and compete with my parents.”
What do you enjoy the most about dancing?
“I enjoy competitions the most because I can meet many friends from different countries,” Minh Cương said. “Some of them have blonde hair and blue eyes, and I find that really interesting and fun. “I also feel very happy when my parents reward me with toys if I do well or improve.”
Competing Together, Living the Moments
How do you feel when you and your father compete at the same event?
“I feel very happy because I can stay close to my parents,” Minh Cương shared. “Usually, my parents travel a lot, so I stay at home and help take care of my two younger sisters. So when I can travel and compete with my parents, I feel very happy and safe.”
He added: “But I also have to bring a lot of school books with me because I need to catch up with my studies. It is a bit tiring, but I always try my best.”
What are your favourite moments as a family during competitions?
“The best moments are when we go through everything together, training, competing, facing pressure, and celebrating as a family,” Minh Trươngsaid.
“My favourite moments are when we travel together and after the competition, my parents take me out to play,” Minh Cương added.
Representing Vietnam
What does representing Vietnam at the Festival mean to you?
“It is a great honour and responsibility,” Minh Trươngsaid. “I am not only competing for myself, but also representing Vietnam. I always try my best to show a strong and positive image of my country on the international stage.”
“I feel proud to represent Vietnam like my father,” Minh Cương added.
A Message to the Next Generation
What message would you like to share with other families and young dancers?
“I want to say: keep trying and listen to your parents,” Minh Cương said.
Minh Trương concluded with a personal reflection: “To reach international competitions, I had to overcome many challenges and work very hard. But I never gave up. For me, DanceSport is not only about passion, it is about proving that with perseverance and determination, anyone can overcome their limits and achieve success.”
For this Vietnamese family, DanceSport is more than a sport, it is a shared journey shaped by love, resilience, and the bonds that connect generations.
As Shawn Tay, WDSF President, reflected ahead of the Festival:
“DanceSport in this kind of stories, it is rooted in families, in values, and in the connections that bring people together across the world. As we look ahead to Blackpool, it is this human dimension that makes our sport truly meaningful.”
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