Vivake is a Lao Brooklynite proving the power of dance, fearlessly.

A reputable choreographer and dancer, Vivake knows exactly why he first started dancing–and in many ways, it was to save his life. As he reveals, “Growing up, I was depressed because being gay was unacceptable–sometimes it still is…”

At 21, graduating from college and coming out of depression, I found dance. And when I found dance, I found the stage. For me, that was a moment of truth. I found that’s where I belong, that my story can be told on stage. So for me, it’s more than just dance. It’s a way for me to express myself to the world just by showing my soul in the way I move.”

Few people need to be sold on the power of dance, which is why Vivake wants men of all ages, especially the younger generations, to experiment with dance. He explains, “I want you, as a young boy, to experiment with dance. You can find who you are through a classroom, performing on stage, developing skills from your ballet teacher, from your hip hop teacher, from your jazz teacher…

There’s so much growth inside a dance studio. There is no limitation. There is no fear. It’s for you to find who you are. A space to explore.” And Vivake knows this because it is exactly what it was for him.

VIVAKE’S FULL STORY

Growing up, I was depressed because being gay was unacceptable–sometimes it still is.

At 21, graduating from college and coming out of depression, I found dance. And when I found dance, I found the stage. For me, that was a moment of truth. I found that’s where I belong, that my story can be told on stage. So for me, it’s more than just dance. It’s a way for me to express myself to the world just by showing my soul in the way I move.

I hope when you watch dance, I prefer a dancer who doesn’t perform but is honest on stage. For me, I’m always striving to be organic, raw, and true to my emotions without trying too hard and just being true to myself. I hope that that honesty reflects and connects to the audience.

Dance is neither feminine nor masculine–it defies gender. I think everybody should be a part of dance because it builds discipline, strength, and it’s a way for us all to be artists and to find that humanity.

– Vivake Khamsingsavath

I want you, as a young boy, to experiment with dance. You can find who you are through a classroom, performing on stage, developing skills from your ballet teacher, from your hip hop teacher, from your jazz teacher. There’s so much growth inside a dance studio.

There is no limitation. There is no fear. It’s for you to find who you are. A space to explore.

Dance has taught me to be myself. Dance is an honest, human, natural, organic thing. When you dance, you’re liberating yourself from societal construction and you’re true. And I believe your soul naturally moves on its own.

Vivake proves that #WhenMenDance they create safe spaces to be. To explore. And to defy limitations. They discover what it means to live with no fear, while finding who they are and who they are meant to be.

If you’re inspired, check out some of the stories of other dancers. Share them far and wide–and if you know someone who would be a great fit for this campaign, tell them to apply.

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