{"id":7113,"date":"2010-12-29T19:12:59","date_gmt":"2010-12-29T19:12:59","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2011-01-02T03:01:22","modified_gmt":"2011-01-02T03:01:22","slug":"Duyen-of-the-Houston-Texans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/asiancemagazine.com\/?p=7113","title":{"rendered":"Duyen of the Houston Texans"},"content":{"rendered":"

This is Duyen’s 2nd season with the Houston Texans Cheerleaders. She is originally from Irving, Texas and is currently a student at University. Duyen loves any type of curry, whether it’s Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese or Indian. She also loves to bake and can make amazing mini-cupcakes. Not surprisingly, Duyen loves anything and everything that has to do with working out. Whether it is swimming, dancing, bowling, or yoga. The Houston Texans Cheerleaders pride themselves on being the fittest dance team in the National Football League. Each member of the squad has a different routine for staying in great shape. The workout videos for the Houston Texans Cheerleaders are available on the team’s website.
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What inspired you to become an NFL Cheerleader? <\/h3>\n

I grew up having a strong passion and love for dance, so when I came to Houston for college, I was ready to take it to the next level.<\/p>\n

What background do you have that contributed to your success as a professional cheerleader? <\/h3>\n

I started dancing when I was four. Since then I’ve studied many different dance styles, ranging from ballet to intricate hip-hop. I’ve been lucky enough to train under some pretty excellent choreographers, who were also really well-known. I even got to perform alongside some of them. When I was in high school, I made it into a really competitive dance company and that allowed me to perform and compete everywhere across the nation. On the side, I also did some backup dancing and was always attending some kind of dance convention any time I got the chance. <\/p>\n

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Did you get any resistance from your family as this occupation bucks traditional Asian Family Values? <\/h3>\n

My family supports me 100% to cheer for the Houston Texans. They always have given me their full support in what I have chosen to do in life. Although, I do understand what you mean when you say that dance “bucks traditional Asian values,” because of course I do experience some resistance every now and then. But usually that kind of thing comes from outside my immediate family. My grandma doesn\u2019t really understand so we have to reassure her that I am also a full-time pharmacy student. But mostly, it’s okay.<\/p>\n

When did you realize you wanted to be a Texans Cheerleader? <\/h3>\n

I knew I wanted to be a Texans Cheerleader when I went to tryouts my first year and saw how amazing the atmosphere was. It was just so electric, and I knew I wanted to be a part of that.<\/p>\n

Who is your favorite current Texans player? <\/h3>\n

I would have to say Andre Johnson.<\/p>\n

What cheerleader(s) do you admire? <\/h3>\n

I really admire our director, Alto Gary, and respect all the effort and time she puts into our team. She helps organize all our appearances and even choreographs many of the dance routines that we perform on the field. \t<\/p>\n

Name something most people don’t know about you.<\/h3>\n

I founded the Texas branch of a charity organization called “Friends of Lepers in Vietnam.” It was something my parents helped me do my senior year of high school. They always reminded me to be grateful for everything I was given. I mean, my parents were refugees, so of course they taught me to be thankful for all the opportunities I was given, especially as a second-generation Vietnamese. Anyway, I founded this non-profit charity in order to spread awareness and help the Vietnamese community. Today I’m the representative of the Texas branch, and it’s been nice staying connected to Vietnam in this way. <\/p>\n