K-pop dance
K-pop dance is the choreography of South Korean pop groups, learned from their music videos and stage performances. In class you learn a known dance to the original track, move for move — this is often called a cover dance. It is taught in groups and is especially popular with teenagers.
What it is for
Section titled “What it is for”- Learning the real choreography of the songs you love.
- Coordination, memory and precision: K-pop dances are fast, sharp and danced in sync.
- Cardio and stamina.
- Teamwork: dancing in formation and changing places as the group does on stage.
- Confidence to perform, at studio shows or cover dance contests.
Equipment
Section titled “Equipment”- Sneakers you can move and turn in.
- Comfortable clothes. Many dancers like to dress in the style of the group they are covering.
- Water and a towel.
- Nothing else — the studio has the mirrors and the sound.
How a class goes
Section titled “How a class goes”- Usually 60–90 minutes.
- A warm-up with isolations and simple grooves.
- The basic moves that the choreography uses, taken from hip-hop, jazz and other styles.
- A part of the choreography: the teacher shows it slowly, often facing the mirror, then the group builds up to full speed.
- Formations: the group practises its positions and the changes between them, as in the video.
- Many studios film the result at the end.
Who it suits best
Section titled “Who it suits best”- Teenagers and young adults who follow K-pop.
- Beginners: in a beginners’ group the teacher may simplify the moves, so no dance background is needed.
- Friends who want to learn a dance together.
- Dancers who want sharper, cleaner movement and a better memory for choreography — see also Hip-hop.
- It is less suited to anybody who prefers improvisation to set choreography. The dances include jumps, quick turns and floor moves: with knee or ankle problems, ask your doctor and tell the teacher.