Anisha Thai On Bringing Afro Dance to Hong Kong & Across Asia – Interview

INTERVIEW

You might’ve seen Anisha Thai lighting up your Instagram feed. The Vietnamese-Comorian choreographer and founder of Hong Kong’s The Mixies Academy has been turning heads across Asia, bringing Afro dance to the forefront with a fearless mix of rhythm, technique, and cultural storytelling.

Most recently, she wowed audiences as part of Spicious Crew in the finale of ViuTV’s Dance X Crew, a newly formed team of six dancers whose unity and versatility defied expectations. In this exclusive interview, Anisha opens up about her journey from Paris to Hong Kong, the lessons she’s learned from collaborating across dance cultures, and her mission to grow Afro dance into a vibrant, inclusive movement across Asia.

First of all, congratulations on making it to the Dance X Crew finals with Spicious Crew. How did it feel standing on that stage, representing such a newly formed group against long-established teams?

I have to be honest I had low expectations and hopes at first. I felt a bit intimidated by the long experience and chemistry of the other teams. But every time we were on stage, we danced as if it was the last time and maybe that is the reason why we got to the finals. I remember asking them during the first round: do you think we have a chance to pass the first round? Hero C, the leader, said to me: "We give our best no matter what."

Spicious Crew brings together six dancers from different backgrounds and street dance styles. What has this cultural and stylistic fusion taught you — both as an artist and as a person?

The biggest challenge was learning to move as one. We had to push our dance abilities into unfamiliar territory — exploring new styles and movements that stretched our comfort zones. One of my favourite moments was sharing Afro dance with the group and watching Manchoi, the breakdancer, practise his waist isolations with such determination. The most challenging style for me was Voguing. It’s not just about perfecting the catwalk or arm movements; it’s about embodying the right intention and understanding the culture behind it. I spent time researching the ballroom scene in New York City to truly grasp the roots of the dance. Throughout the process, I felt like a student again — learning from my teammates’ five different cultures and dance styles. This experience has made me feel freer as an artist and more patient as a person.

Afro dance is still relatively new to many in Asia. What's your vision for its growth in Hong Kong and the wider region, and how do you see yourself contributing to that movement?

My goal is to grow the Afro community and organise larger cultural events across Asia — to help people understand not just the dance, but the rich culture and stories behind it. I want to spark curiosity and appreciation for the depth of Afro traditions. I believe Afro dance has a powerful impact on wellbeing and mental health; in high-stress societies, it can truly shift mindsets and bring positivity into people’s lives.

In Hong Kong, I hope to expand my dance academy by welcoming more students to enjoy our classes — AfroKids, AfroFit, and AfroWeekly — which are open to all ages and levels. I also want to see my dance crew, The Mixies Crew, perform at more events and showcase the many vibrant forms of Afro dance.

Ultimately, my vision is to continue building a fun, inclusive, and liberating community — where classes, events, and gatherings bring people together through movement, music, and joy.

⁠In such a high-pressure competition, how did you and your crew keep your energy and motivation high from February all the way to the finals?

It was probably the longest TV show I’ve ever worked on — it lasted six months! We often had dinners together to make sure we valued the experience and shared meaningful bonding moments as a group. We also made an effort to communicate openly whenever there was confusion (and there definitely was!). Since none of us speak English as our first language, there were times I got upset over things that were simply misunderstandings. One funny moment was when they said we had a “call at 7PM on Monday.” I thought they meant a phone call, but they actually meant call time at 7PM — so I showed up very late to rehearsal, haha!

You've danced on stages around the world — how does Hong Kong's dance scene compare to other cities you've experienced?

The beauty of Hong Kong is that within the community, everyone seems to know each other. If you have a strong work ethic and a good reputation, opportunities naturally come your way. I’ve had the chance to perform in TV shows, music videos, ballroom events, and soon, theatre. There’s so much potential here if you’re willing to put yourself out there. As an entrepreneur, it feels liberating — the environment is dynamic, supportive, and full of energy, making it a place where anyone can grow quickly.

Let's talk food. What are your top five favourite restaurants in Hong Kong and what makes each one special for you — whether it's the flavours, the vibe, or the memories attached?

Carat Fine Indian and Mediterranean Cuisine is a favourite of mine — Indian food ranks in my top three, and I could eat it every day! I loved it there not just for the flavours, especially the naan and butter chicken, but also for the warm and friendly staff.

I also enjoy visiting the Queen Street Food Market in Sheung Wan for its lively atmosphere, the people you meet, and the variety of food at interesting prices — from Italian and Indian to Chinese. For Italian cuisine, Sophia Loren in Wanchai is one of the best spots I’ve found.

For Vietnamese food lovers, Banh Mi Nem is a must-try: the ingredients are fresh, and their iced coffee is a perfect complement.

You're known for your striking stage presence. What are five beauty products you simply can't live without, and why?

Let me share my beauty essentials! I absolutely love My Benefits Mini — I can’t live without the brow pencil, as it makes defining my brows so easy and precise. I also never go out without my Sol de Janeiro perfume mist. Scent is very important to me; when I meet someone for the first time, it’s often the smell that leaves the strongest impression.

For skincare, I swear by The Ordinary. It’s affordable yet incredibly effective — hyaluronic acid and niacinamide are my best friends. And of course, I can’t forget Fenty lip gloss (all shades!). Wearing it makes me feel like a spicy, glossy queen.

Dancing is physically and mentally demanding. Where are your five go-to places to unwind in Hong Kong when you need to recharge?

My answers might not be original, but they’re sincere — I don’t need a fancy place to unwind, haha. My favourite spot is the stretch from Wanchai Harbour up to Causeway Bay. I love the sea, the view, and the sense of calm it brings me. I also enjoy the Avenue of Stars around 10 PM to midnight, when it’s quiet — the skyline of HK Island at night is just breathtaking.

I’m also a fan of Repulse Bay Beach, especially for the many great restaurants (Italian is my weakness!). You might catch me at Tai Kwun in Central, exploring the latest exhibitions or admiring the architecture. And, of course, my ultimate sanctuary: my home. I made sure it has plenty of natural light, sits on the very top floor, and even has a rooftop — looking out at the view makes me feel both calm and unstoppable.

As someone who travels often, what are your top five hotels across the globe, and what do you look for in a truly exceptional stay?

I truly enjoyed my stay at the Hyatt Regency in Danang, Vietnam. I went there for a wedding and was completely mesmerised by the service and facilities — it was probably one of the best weddings I’ve ever attended. In Hong Kong, I also love the Grand Hyatt for its pool, the regular brunches, and, of course, the incredible views.

⁠Looking ahead, what's next for you — both in terms of your personal career and for Spicious Crew? Any exciting projects or collaborations on the horizon?

On a personal level, I want to branch out my “artistic tree” into music, creating an ecosystem where music flows into fashion and cycles back into dance through visuals and choreography. I aim to push my artistry further and develop a deeper sense of identity by exploring different forms of art that complement one another. I’m especially excited to see Spicious on more stages and in more spaces across Hong Kong — we have so much to share through our connection and our unique style!

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