From a boy once facing family turmoil, Le Minh Hieu (commonly known as Le Hieu, stage name Bboy B4, 25, from Ho Nai ward, Dong Nai province) overcame hardship to reach the pinnacle of glory at the 2018 Summer Youth Olympic Games in Argentina. Yet, at the very height of his success, he chose to take a different path, venturing into the fashion business before deciding to return to breaking (a street dance style rooted in hip-hop culture). His journey is one of extraordinary resilience and the courage to live truthfully with his passion.
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| Le Minh Hieu (Bboy B4) always lives with passion |
Hieu developed deep passion for dance and hip-hop culture at an early age. In 2011, his family suffered a major setback: his parents' business collapsed, and his mother fell seriously ill. In those darkest days, a hip-hop film led him to breaking. Together with his two younger brothers, he turned practice sessions into playful escapes, easing the burdens of life. Gradually, his love for breaking grew, becoming a "spiritual medicine" that helped him remain optimistic and strong.
From the peak of glory to a turning point
It was his relentless effort that helped Hieu quickly make a name for himself. In 2017, he won the runner-up title in the TV program So You Think You Can Dance, produced by Cat Tien Sa and broadcast on major channels, including HTV7. Despite suffering a twisted ankle just before the finale, Hieu bravely stepped onto the stage, proving the spirit of a true professional dancer.
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| Le Hieu (Bboy B4) won a gold medal at the 2018 Summer Youth Olympic Games in Argentina. |
In particular, in 2018, at the age of 18, Hieu and his teammate Kawai Ramu made history for Vietnamese sports. They won the gold medal in the mixed-gender team event at the 2018 Summer Youth Olympic Games in Argentina in breaking. This milestone elevated Hieu’s name, making him a source of pride for Vietnam’s street dance community and his hometown of Dong Nai.
However, following the Olympic glory, Hieu unexpectedly changed his direction, putting the dance floor on hold to try his hand at business and fashion by establishing his own brand. From an enthusiastic Bboy, he transformed himself into a “young entrepreneur”, caught in the whirlwind of revenue and growth pressures. Despite earning considerable income, Hieu did not feel truly fulfilled. He therefore decided to return to hip-hop and breaking—his real strength.
Reigniting passion and spreading values
Although income from teaching hip-hop and breaking may no longer be as high as before, Hieu finds joy in it. He finds happiness in teaching "little angels", passing on his passion to the younger generation. He has also reconnected with old friends and like-minded companions, as well as met idols such as choreographer John Huy Tran, whom he admires for his mindset and the inspirational lessons he offers.
Currently, Hieu is a teacher at Dancenter Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City. He maintains a daily practice routine of three to five hours, or more on days without classes, to continually perfect his skills and preserve his form.
Another great source of pride is that Hieu is the only Vietnamese member of the international dance troupe Eeight-clan, a group originating from Japan. This not only affirms his talent but also demonstrates his unwavering commitment to passion and his efforts to reach the global stage.
The journey of Bboy Le Hieu is a touching story of a young talent from Dong Nai who dared to confront challenges, gave up the limelight to rediscover his true values, and embarked on a path of “pushing beyond limits” to live authentically with his passion. It is a story that strongly inspires many young people in their journey of self-discovery.
By: Pham Quang
Translated by: Quynh Nhu - Thu Ha
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