To prepare for this high-stakes competition, the duo spent a month training in Europe and were delighted to defend their Southeast Asia title. Previously, they won three gold medals at the 31st SEA Games in the same categories: 5-dance Latin, Paso Doble, and Jive.

Notably, in 2024, Phan Hien and Thu Huong became the first Vietnamese Dancesport pair to break into the Top 41 in the world thanks to their strong showing at the World Open Latin. They are currently ranked in the Top 49 in the WDSF global rankings.

The Vietnam Dancesport Festival 2025, co-organized by the Vietnam Gymnastics Federation, KTA King The Art, and the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF), marked the first time this event has been hosted in Vietnam. Previously, the tournament was held only three times in China.

This year’s festival broke records with over 4,000 registrations and attracted thousands of athletes from 37 countries and territories, along with more than 100 international judges. The event ran from July 9 to 13 and featured competitions for the Southeast Asia, Asia, and World Open titles.

Behind the success of Phan Hien and Thu Huong is the tireless support of “Dancesport Queen” Khanh Thi. Although she no longer competes internationally, Khanh Thi serves as their coach, choreographing and personally training the pair. Thu Huong is known as Khanh Thi’s protégée, discovered and mentored from her earliest days in the sport.

Phan Hien, who is married to Khanh Thi, became a Dancesport champion at age 16, when he and his wife won gold at the 2009 Asian Dancesport Championship. Beyond competing, the couple are also active in entertainment and run a dance and arts training center in Ho Chi Minh City.

Huy Minh