About Heart Zouk Dance
Heart Zouk Dance (HZD) is a premier zouk dance club where the rhythm of passion meets the warmth of community in the heart of Vietnam. Founded over a decade ago by Mr. Mai Van Binh, also known as Deepwell Zouk, HZD stands as a beacon of excellence in the realm of partner dancing.
Our core values revolve around fostering emotional connection, promoting body awareness, and nurturing creativity through the transformative power of dance. Specializing in SoulZouk with a commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, we welcome dancers of all levels, from beginners taking their tentative first steps to seasoned dancers honing their craft to explore their innermost emotions and connect authentically with their partners and the music.
The highlight of our calendar is the annual Heart Zouk Marathon & Retreat, a week-long celebration of dance, connection, and community held every October. This immersive event brings together dancers from across the globe for a unique blend of social dances and cultural experiences, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of Vietnam's scenic landscapes.
HeartZoukMarathon & Retreat
History
2018
Vietnam Zouk Marathon on 12th-14th January
2019
Vietnam Zouk Marathon on 5th -7th Apr
2022
Heart Zouk Marathon & Retreat on 13th - 17th October
2023
Heart Zouk Marathon & Retreat on 5th - 10th October
2024
Heart Zouk Marathon & Retreat on 11th - 15th October
2025
Heart Zouk Marathon & Retreat on 10th - 14th October
Our Organizer Team
Introduce our dedicated and passionate organizing team. Behind every successful event and seamless experience, there is a group of individuals working tirelessly to make it happen.
Our Core Team
Innovative, Talented, Driven
Since opening our doors in 2000, the foundation of HeartZoukMarathon has come from the exceptional talent and true passion within our team.
MAI VAN BINH
Founder, Instructor & Organizer
Binh Mai, widely recognized as Deepwell Zouk, the visionary Zouk Headmaster and Instructor at HeartZouk Dance, and the trailblazer who introduced Zouk to Vietnam. With roots in hip-hop dance dating back to 1992, Deepwell's journey in the world of dance took a transformative turn in 2008 when he ventured into Salsa and Bachata. However, it was in 2009, after stumbling upon a mesmerizing Zouk demo on YouTube, that Deepwell's passion for Zouk was ignited. Driven by his newfound love for Zouk, Deepwell embarked on a journey to master the Chick-chick-boom dance, eventually establishing his own dance studio, HeartZouk Dance. With a focus on fostering connection, listening, and enjoyment in dance, Deepwell has played an instrumental role in nurturing and developing the Zouk scene in Vietnam under his leadership. Deepwell's influence extends beyond the borders of Vietnam, as he has actively participated in numerous Zouk events across Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Australia. Notably, he has been a prominent figure at Zouk SEA, a regional Zouk congress, and Casa do Zouk, the largest Zouk congress in the Asia-Pacific region. In addition to his role as an instructor, Deepwell is also revered as a favorite DJ among local and international zoukers, infusing his sets with infectious energy and rhythm. With his unparalleled dedication, expertise, and passion for Zouk, Deepwell continues to leave an indelible mark on the Zouk community, both in Vietnam and beyond.
DO HAI YEN
Instructor & Organizer
Do Hai Yen, a prominent figure in the zouk community and an esteemed instructor at Heart Zouk Dance Studio. As an integral member of the operation team, Yen has played a vital role in organizing numerous zouk events, weekenders, and workshops across Vietnam, notably the Vietnam Zouk Marathon and its successor, the Heart Zouk Marathon & Retreat, since 2018. Yen's journey in dance is marked by dedication and exploration. Trained in contemporary dance, she has honed her skills through participation in international zouk congresses such as Zouk Sea, Zouk Sensation, and Sensual Connection. In her quest for knowledge and mastery, Yen obtained a teacher course certificate from the Dutch Zouk Congress in the Netherlands. Since 2019, Yen has been an integral part of the SoulZouk family, undergoing intensive training under the guidance of renowned founders China SoulZouk and Deepwell. Her journey has equipped her to teach both Zouk and SoulZouk with grace and expertise. Yen's teaching style is characterized by energy, comfort, and a profound connection to the music and her students. Whether leading or following, she embodies beauty and flow, infusing every lesson and dance with heartfelt passion. For Yen, dance is more than just movement—it's a profound lesson in life itself. She believes in the beauty of natural movement, emphasizing connection, emotion, energy, and flow as the essence of zouk. With Yen, students not only learn to dance but also embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and connection.
NGUYEN THU THAO
Instructor & Organizer
Thao Nguyen, affectionately known as Bunny, a passionate Zouk Instructor at HeartZouk Dance. Thao's journey into the world of dance began in 2015. From the moment she felt the music move her body, she knew she had found her true calling. Over the years, Thao has delved deep into the intricacies of Zouk, mastering the intricate footwork and embracing the sensual body movements that define this mesmerizing dance style. With each step, she discovered a new layer of beauty and rhythm, and her passion for Zouk only continued to grow. In 2019, Thao transitioned from a dedicated student to an assistant and then a passionate instructor, eager to share her love for Zouk. Armed with a deep understanding of the dance and a genuine desire to inspire, Thao is committed to helping her students discover the joy and magic of Zouk. As an instructor, Thao brings a unique blend of patience, enthusiasm, and expertise to her classes. Whether guiding beginners through their first steps or refining the skills of experienced dancers, her warm and approachable demeanor creates a supportive learning environment where students feel comfortable to explore and grow not only learn the technical aspects of Zouk but also experience the sheer joy and exhilaration that comes from dancing this enchanting style.
KIM DUNG & NGOC HA
Event Coordinator & Media Lead
Kim Dung and Ngoc Ha, dynamic students of HZD (Heart Zouk Dance), represent the vanguard of Vietnam’s burgeoning zouk scene. Their introduction to zouk was nothing short of love at first sight, as the dance’s sensual rhythms and emotive movements captured their hearts instantly. Now spearheading as coordinators and media leads for the upcoming Heart Zouk Marathon, Kim Dung and Ngoc Ha bring a blend of youthful vigor and creative flair to the event. Their mission goes beyond organizational excellence; they aim to inject a fresh vibrancy into the event and propel Zouk Vietnam onto the global stage. With a dedication to innovation and a passion for sharing their love of zouk, Kim Dung and Ngoc Ha are poised to leave an indelible mark, fostering growth and introducing the captivating allure of Zouk to enthusiasts worldwide.
