Meet Duabci Vang, a 25-year-old from Appleton, Wisconsin, who’s making waves in the Fox Valley Hmong community through dance and language preservation. Vang started Hmong dancing at just four years old, inspired by her older sisters who created a dance team for them. What began as a fun family activity quickly blossomed into a lifelong passion.
Hmong dancing is rich and varied, influenced by Thai and Lao traditions, with added touches from classical Chinese dance. Vang describes it as a vibrant mix, evolving to now include modern elements like hip-hop, giving it an energetic flair that resonates with today’s youth. “It’s not just smooth and elegant anymore. It’s sharp and lively,” she says.
Tragedy struck when Vang’s father passed away when she was just 13. He played a pivotal role in her life, always encouraging her to connect with their community. “He’d tell us that no one will love you unless you love them,” Vang recalls. His words motivated her to stay connected to her roots, especially after moving to Appleton for a fresh start.
Dancing has taught Vang not only about rhythm and movement but also about the Hmong language and culture. “When you dance, you really learn the stories behind the music,” she explains. “We reenact the lives of our parents and ancestors, helping us appreciate the struggles they faced.” However, Vang is acutely aware of the challenges her generation faces in keeping the Hmong language alive. “It’s disappearing fast, even among my peers,” she says. That’s why she strives to instill a love for the language in her dancers.
Her commitment to her dancers goes beyond teaching steps and routines. “You get so personal with everyone,” she shares. Her students describe her as a supportive and caring coach who makes them feel safe. “I feel very safe around her. She’s just a loving, caring person,” says one dancer. “She feels like a friend.”
Many of her younger students arrive hesitant or even resistant to dance. “At the beginning of the year, they might say they hate it,” Vang laughs. But by the end, they’re hooked. “They’re the ones asking when the next session will start!” Once they experience the thrill of competition, it’s a game-changer. “It’s stressful but so much fun. You just want to keep going,” she says.
Duabci Vang isn’t just teaching dance; she’s building a community and preserving a culture, one step at a time. Through her passion, she’s inspiring a new generation to embrace their heritage, keeping the spirit of Hmong culture alive in Appleton. You can follow the Duab Ci Dance Academy here.