BIOGRAPHY:

Anh Nguyen, born 1972 in Viet Nam, is a dance artist and musician from Windsor, Ontario, Canada.  He is artistic director, principal choreographer and composer for HNM Dance Company.  He also works and travels as an independent multi-disciplinary artist.  Nguyen makes regular guest appearances with progressive dance companies, orchestras, galleries, festivals and universities including Wayne State University (Michigan), Western Michigan University, Ball State University (Indiana), Northwood University (Michigan, Florida & Texas), University of Toledo, University of Windsor, fFIDA International Dance Festival (Toronto), Detroit Institute of Arts, Art Gallery of Windsor, Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, South Dakota Symphony Orchestra, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Michigan Opera Theatre, Dance Nonce (Michigan), Eisenhower Dance Ensemble (Michigan), Detroit Dance Collective, American Ballet Theatre and has recently returned from engagements in Detroit, Fort Lauderdale and Philadelphia.

Nguyen serves as advisor for Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council and St. Clair College.  In 2001 he was presented with the Mayor's Award of Excellence for Outstanding Artist.  He has received numerous commissions (dance & music) and his works have been performed by Windsor Pro-Players (Ontario & Michigan), All-City Dance Company (Michigan), EFA Dance Ensemble (Michigan), Wayne State Dance Company (Michigan), Detroit Dance Collective (Michigan, Illinois & Kentucky), Dance Nonce (Michigan), American Ballet Theatre (Michigan) and HNM Dance Company (Ontario, Michigan & South Dakota).         

Nguyen’s current and upcoming projects include conducting dance and music composition master classes for St. Clair College; setting “Sep7et” (a piece for 14 dancers) on EFA Dance Ensemble; and creating new works (dance & music) for Windsor Symphony Orchestra, HNM Dance Company, Windsor Pro-Players and American Ballet Theatre.

The Globe and Mail claims, “Nguyen's complex, energetic crisscross diagonals and clean, economical, athletic movements are as elegant as they are refreshing… brilliant stage pictures that perfectly mirrored the counterpoint and fugue of Bach's music… the ability to build very interesting dances on a clear, single focus.”  

The Courier-Journal describes Nguyen's choreography as, “PURE PLEASURE.”

CLASS DESCRIPTION:

Philosophy:
The class, for a dancer, can be deeply personal and sacred; therefore, the role of the teacher is that of great responsibility and privilege.  The relationship and interaction of all participants in this 1.5 hours is fleeting and timeless.  All things fall into place when a teacher's preparation and facilitation are motivated by the idea of "sincerity of expression".

Approach:
Nguyen's modern (centre) classes are highly innovative, complete, progressive, sensually musical, physically technical, respectful and fun!  It's a value for Nguyen that all dancers become finer artists in some ways from having taken his class.

Contents:
Nguyen's classes are made of three equally important components:
1. (first 20 minutes) Softening the body... torso, all joints (freeing up for ease of movement)
2. (next 40 minutes) Strengthening the body... torso, legs, feet, arms (guided stretch included)
3. (last 30 minutes) Dance!  It's when all components come together.  It's when dancing happens.Some reviews of Nguyen's teaching:

"... body-friendly, dynamic and inspiring."
 - American Ballet Theatre

"... an out-of-orbit experience!"
- HNM Dance Company

"... a gifted, competent and passionate instructor."
 - Detroit Dance Collective

Anh Nguyen, Artistic Director
HNM Dance Company
http://www.hnmdance.com