Youngbo & Laura Weekend: A Dance-Filled Journey Of Connection And Culture
Youngbo, Laura, and the Gentle Gifters brought an energetic weekend to the Saigon locals. | Source: HaiApo
Last weekend, Saigon pulsed with the vibrant energy of swing dance as it hosted a unique cultural dance exchange with South Korea. Renowned swing dance instructors Youngbo and Laura, along with their electrifying performance members, Gentle Gifters, traveled all the way from Seoul to bring their expertise, passion, and electric performances to the heart of the city, creating a weekend of rhythm, movement, and connection.
The event, hosted by Blind Lemon Jazz Club, drew over 80 dancers from across Vietnam and beyond, with international guests from countries as far as South Korea, China, Austria, the UK, India, Malaysia, and Singapore. This was more than a weekend of dancing, it was a celebration of shared culture and the universal joy of movement, connecting individuals from diverse backgrounds.
The festivities kicked off at CTY Kitchen + Bar, a venue beloved by Saigon’s swing enthusiasts for its regular social dances. The Welcome Party set the tone for a weekend filled with energy and excitement, offering the perfect setting for dancers to meet, connect, and take their first steps on the floor together.
Founded by Ha Nguyen, a passionate member of the Saigon swing dance community since 2018, Blind Lemon Jazz Club is where people come to enjoy swing and blues, meet new friends, and add a little more fun and positivity to their everyday lives. Not like a typical school, the club has built a space dedicated to fostering a positive lifestyle through the joy of swing and blues.
Throughout the weekend, workshops led by Youngbo and Laura offered dancers of all levels the chance to refine their skills, explore new techniques, and deepen their understanding of swing dance. Evening events brought live music from the talented Cookin’ Jazz Band and thrilling performances from the Gentle Gifters, inspiring everyone to hit the floor and join the fun.
Swing dance, a dance form with deep roots in African American culture, emerged from Harlem, New York City, in the late 1920s. This joyful and expressive dance form celebrates music and community. Acts as an invitation to step back in time, embrace the rhythm, and connect with others through the magic of movement.