How to get good at dancing kpop
Become an Iconic Kpop Dancer
KPop took the world by storm with colorful visuals and state-of-the-art choreography routines, which has led to more people wanting to learn how to dance like a K-Pop artist.
Learning choreography alone can be challenging. Idols might make it look easy, but these routines are challenging.
Dance classes are the fastest way to learn Kpop choreography. Here is your guide to becoming an iconic K-Pop dancer.
What Kind of Dance Is K-Pop?
According to professional choreographer Kasper Kim in an interview with SBS Korea, Kpop dancing is defined by its high energy and sense of performance. For idols, dancing K-Pop is about showing off their unique charms and style rather than adhering to the principles of a genre.
K-Pop dance moves are influenced by multiple genres, from hip-hop to traditional Korean culture to modern American street dance.
When Did K-Pop Dancing Become Popular?
Seo Taiji and Boys set the stage for modern K-Pop choreography. They introduced and refined the idea of mixing genres of dance and music and using rap as an accent to pop music.
Since the late 90s, K-Pop has gained momentum. Another pivotal moment in K-Pop dance was when BTS performed “DNA” at the American Music Awards in 2017.
Now, 4th generation groups are held to the standard of BTS and are pushing their choreographies to be more refined and creative than ever.
Kpop Dance By Difficulty
Like any creative practice, there are varying difficulty levels in K-Pop songs.
Even advanced groups will use simple dance moves to bring fans onboard. Let’s look at some dance moves from easiest to hardest.
Easy
A beginner needs to start with easy K-Pop dances. Trying something too complex can be discouraging and frustrating. Remember, dancing should be fun!
- The Crab Shuffle – “Gee” by Girls Generation
- The Arrogant Dance – “Abracadabra” by Brown Eyed Girls
- The Shoulder Dance – “Wannabe” by ITZY
Average
Once you’ve mastered some simple dance moves, it’s time to start working towards things that are challenging and require a sense of style.
- The Bang Step – “Bang Bang Bang” by Big Bang
- The Horse Move – “Gangnam Style” by PSY
- The Body Roll – Various Artists
Difficult
Some dances are so iconic that the moves take on the song’s name, and you’ll see that in these examples.
- “Coming of Age Ceremony” by Park Ji Yoon
- Tutting – “Lucifer” by SHINee
- “Ddu Ddu Du” by BLACKPINK
Bonus: Most Iconic & Famous Kpop Dance Moves You Can Learn
Advance on with these challenging routines requiring grace and working in a team.
You can either learn the iconic moves featured in the chorus or bridge or learn the whole song.
“Ring Ding Dong” by SHINee
Full of fluid and popping movements, the famous chorus has been remixed into a TikTok trend.
“TT” by TWICE
This fan-favorite song is beloved for its story-telling hand gestures and cute moves.
“ON” by BTS
BTS themselves have said “ON” was their most complex choreography, but it’s not impossible to learn!
“0X1 Lovesong (I Know I Love You)” by TXT
This masterful hit has some of TXT’s most exemplary teamwork dancing. a
What Is The Best Way To Learn Kpop Dance?
If you’re serious about learning complete choreographies, like those done by a real K-Pop artist, nothing beats taking a K-Pop dance class. K-Pop choreography is designed to be a group dance, and learning on a team will hone your skills with speed and efficiency.
Also, you get to have a blast while learning.
In the meantime, here is how to start learning K-Pop dance right away.
- YouTube tutorials
- Fancams
- Dance practice videos (mirrored)
- Repetition
- Practice!
When you’re ready to take on K-Pop dance classes, we have tons of dance class cost options.
Kpop Dance Training and Fitness Tips
As you would with all dance forms, make sure you stretch before you begin practicing. Choose a difficulty level that you are comfortable with, then start slow.
If you choose to learn a dance from a YouTube video, try setting the video’s playback speed to .75X or . 5X so that you can see the moves at a slower pace. Then work back up to normal speed.
Repetition and practice are key. Also, it helps to set goals for yourself. For example, maybe you only want to learn the chorus or learn the entire song. Setting those goals will help you keep your motivation to learn the dance.
Frequently Asked Questions
There’s always more to know about K-Pop. Here is some insight into why many people are passionate about K-Pop dancing.
Is K-Pop dance easy?
K-Pop dance can be easy, but for the most part, it is challenging to learn and requires patience and dedication.
Why is Kpop dance so popular?
Kpop dance is so popular because of the quality, precision, and personal style idols bring into their dancing.
How can I improve my Kpop dance?
Here are a few tips on getting better at K-Pop dancing.
- Start with simple choreography
- Use mirrored dance videos
- Break down difficult steps
- Choose an idol’s style to copy
- Record yourself and watch later
Where Can You Learn Kpop Dances?
On One Studios has a full package of Kpop dance classes taught by professional teachers.
Dancing in a group is at the heart of K-Pop. Sign up for dance K-Pop classes to begin your journey, get some healthy exercise, and learn how amazing it can be to be part of a team!
How To Learn K-Pop Dances
So, if you’re anything like me, you love a good K-Pop song and the fun, popular choreography that comes with it.
But I have to admit… if you asked me if I’ve ever actually tried learning any K-Pop choreography… I’d embarrassingly have to say “No”.
Even though the dances are meant to be simple to learn, it’s easy to feel intimidated when you’re watching the moves being executed by idols who’ve been training for most of their lives!
So, I decided to find out what it takes to master K-Pop routines AND perform like a legit K-Pop star.
Now, I’m gonna share everything I learned with you.
Keep reading to get all the tips you’ll need to become a K-Pop dancer yourself!
But first…
The term “K-Pop” is an abbreviation for “Korean popular music. ”
While the name is pretty general, “K-Pop” is typically used to describe a mixture of East Asian and Western music genres that can be traced back to the 1880s.
Throughout the 1880s-1940s, Koreans were introduced to Western music through American missionaries and radio broadcasts, but it wasn’t until the 1940s when North and South Korea parted ways that K-Pop music really started to thrive.
Many American soldiers remained in South Korea after the Korean War, and started spreading the latest Pop, Gospel, Rock, Jazz, Hip Hop, R&B, Folk, Country, Classical, and Reggae.
As a result, South Korean music artists started infusing their own music with Western rhythms, instruments, vocalization styles, and languages.
And sure enough, Korean singers started getting their big break within Western circles.
Ever heard of The Kim Sisters?
Around 1959, they were the first Korean artists to drop an album in the U. S!
Of course, this music doesn’t sound like K-Pop as we now know it…
The music we currently call “K-Pop” is most heavily influenced by Western music from the 1990s-2010s.
It was during that time period that the internet made it easier than ever for countries to share music with each other.
The Korean government was putting more focus on marketing their music to other countries, but it wasn’t just the K-Pop industry running the show anymore!
Take the boyband Seo Taiji & Boys for example.
Despite the fact that they scored really low during a televised Korean talent show with their song Nan Arayo, their fans went crazy over that same song AND their album.
They posted their music video online and the song made it to the states where new audiences fell in love with it!
Whether it was Seo Taiji & Boys’ unique fusion of Rap, Hip Hop, Rock, Jazz, and EDM, the sound of the Korean lyrics, or their standout fashion sense, thousands of teens and tweens around the world saw their video and looked at them as “idols” – a term that would become the #1 descriptor for K-Pop group members.
Many other K-Pop artists followed suit and in the 21st century, names like Super Junior, Big Bang, Wonder Girls, Psy, BTS, Blackpink and TWICE were household names.
Of course, one of the main things that sets K-Pop apart is the dancing!
The choreography is full of fun dance moves that are actually easy to learn.
And since the late 2000’s, K-Pop choreography (and the highly produced music videos that showcased it) has heavily contributed to the genre’s virality.
The choreography that went with the chorus of each song was meant to be catchy and attainable, so that anyone in the world could “cover” the choreography just like they would cover the song itself.
Soon, sites like Youtube and Facebook were filled with dance cover videos that gave free advertising to each new K-Pop song.
The moves and combos were heavily influenced by the Hip-Hop-heavy choreography used by 90s/2000s American groups, but K-Pop dances also tended to lean very cute/playful or very edgy – much like the music itself.
For example, compare how Britney Spears’ and Girls Generation’s choreography look.
They’re both filled with sharp and precise movements, hyper-feminine grooves, and playful gestures. And it's not just one person dancing. You get to see lots of bodies moving in unison!
Many of the early K-Pop groups who were popular in the states followed this formula, but the first modern K-Pop song to get serious radio play featured unisex moves that were appropriate for any age.
Enter “Gangnam Style” by Psy!
Due to that “galloping horse” move, this was the first video on YT to receive over a billion views.
If you want to learn how to dance K-Pop, start by choosing a few groups that you really resonate with!
Then, you can dissect what makes their choreography unique and master their style!
For example, if you really love BLACKPINK’s Lisa, you might notice that she’s all about intricate details and putting serious power into her stage performances.
So, as you’re learning a BLACKPINK or Lisa routine, really focus on those style elements as you practice each move.
Be thoughtful about flicking your wrist to finish a move or tilting your head at a particular moment.
Remember to stay powerfully grounded when you strut, rather than bouncing lightly on your feet.
Once you know which idol you want to look like, you can then focus on mastering the actual dance steps.
If you’re totally new to dance, start by looking for choreography that’s a little more smooth and groovy.
Basically, you want to look for the same types of moves that you’d do at a club or party.
A great example would be the routine from “Pretty Savage” by BLACKPINK.
Related article: Top 10 K-pop Girl Groups in 2022
The chorus section is all about hair whips, booty shaking, and bouncy moves that hit right on the beat. Even if you don’t look exactly like the idols when you do this routine, you’ll still look great!
P.S. If you wanna learn this choreography step-by-step, we have a tutorial on STEEZY Studio. ;)
Click here to learn it!
If you’re further along in your dance training, then you can choose a faster, more precise routine.
Typically, these types of choreographies will test your ability to use speed and control at the right time - all while dancing to more complex rhythms.
Take ATEEZ’ “Say My Name” choreography for example:
During the chorus section, you’ll notice that there's a lot of jumping, quick hand movements, and sudden transitions from fast moves to slow moves.
You’ll need to practice this routine a lot since many of the moves won’t come naturally to you!
P.P.S. You can learn “Say My Name” on STEEZY Studio too! Just click here.
After you know the style of choreography and routine you want to learn, you’re ready to really dive in!
There are a few ways to go about learning K-Pop choreography.
A lot of people learn the routines by studying the highly produced music videos that come with most K-Pop songs.
You can find the videos on YouTube, slow down the tempo, study the movements, and then practice in a mirror at home.
Many other K-Pop songs come with what’s called a “practice video” – basically, this is a video of the music group rehearsing the routine in a clean, simple environment.
These videos are much easier to learn from since they don’t include all of the fancy cuts/editing that can make it harder to see what the idols are doing.
Here’s an example of BTS practicing their routine for “Fire”:
Of course, when you’re learning a K-Pop routine, you’re not limited to just videos from the music groups themselves.
There are also tons of K-Pop covers artists on YouTube who break down the routines into step-by-step tutorials.
One of the most popular cover artist duos, Ellen & Brian, has nearly 3M followers!
Now, while all of these YouTube options are useful, they definitely come with some learning limitations.
You’ll likely spend a lot of time pausing and rewinding, stopping to check yourself in a mirror, and digging for videos where the content is flipped on screen so that you can copy the instructor directly (basically, if they lift their left arm on screen, you wanna be able to lift your left arm too. You don’t wanna have to think in your head, “ok, her left arm is going up, but the camera is reversing the image, so I should lift my right arm, right???”).
Luckily, all of these annoying issues are solved for you on STEEZY Studio!
Unlike YouTube, STEEZY’s a platform made for learning dance routines.
You can flip the video’s orientation with the tap of a button, play tricky sections of the routine on loop while you practice, and use your webcam as a virtual, on-screen mirror so you can see yourself right behind the instructor.
We’re regularly dropping the latest and greatest K-Pop tutorials so definitely check it out here!
And if you’d like to try STEEZY out for free, start with these 10 FREE K-Pop moves classes.
One last tip before you dive into allll the K-Pop routines!
It’s important to keep in mind that K-Pop choreography doesn’t exist in a vacuum.
Choreographers from all over the world put together the routines for your favorite groups, and those choreographers have unique styles and dance backgrounds that are worth learning about!
For example, if a certain choreographer regularly creates routines for your favorite group, and that choreographer is a big fan of Jazz dance steps and lots of hair movements, it might be worth it to take their classes directly so that you can perfect those skills.
Here are a few K-Pop choreographers who you can train with on STEEZY:
Choreographer Brian Puspos is known for working with BTS and being one of Jimin’s favorite dancers.
Teen dancer sensation Bailey Sok choreographed for Red Velvet.
Swag queen Rie Hata is the genius behind several NCT, BTS, and Red Velvet routines.
All of these K-Pop choreographers and many more (Ian Eastwood, Lyle Beniga, Ellen Kim…) have classes on STEEZY Studio that will teach you how to dance smooth, sharp, fast, slow – everything!
Planning to make your own K-Pop dance cover video?
Now that we know what K-Pop is and how to do K-Pop dances, the last step is learning how to look the part!
Make sure you:
1. Wear a mix of fitted clothing pieces like skinny jeans and tight tops, combined with clothing that’s loose and baggy. The fitted clothes will show the lines of your body as they cut through the air while the baggy pieces will add more motion to each of your movements. Leggings or shorts with a loose buttoned-up shirt or a skirt with bike shorts underneath are great options. Use the music videos for inspiration.
2. Have fun with your hair – it’s often part of the choreography! You can search “k-pop hair ideas” on Pinterest to come up with fun ways to style ponytails, pigtails, and braids that will complement your outfit.
3. Set up the “set” you’re going to dance in front of! You don’t need to do something super fancy like the music videos themselves – mainly focus on creating a set that’s visually interesting without being distracting. If you want a city skyline in your background, you can dance on the high floor of a parking garage. You can use brightly colored walls in your town as a backdrop. You can throw some string lights behind you in your bedroom or make use of a color changing bulb. Just make sure there isn’t any clutter in your space!
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Now, who’s ready to learn some K-Pop moves?
Head over to STEEZY Studio and immerse yourself in the K-Pop world y’all!
Related article: 4 of the All Time Greatest K-Pop Groups Everyone Should Know
K-POP: culture and dance
Someone is in the subject, someone is at a loss. And we have to be on the same wavelength.
A K-POP dance direction has been launched at the Baza – let's talk about it!
K-Pop - short for "Korean pop" - is a huge culture that is rapidly developing and gaining popularity. A huge number of fans of the genre, South Korean boy bands, girl bands and solo artists are growing day by day - including in Russia! There is one important term in K-Pop culture - "idol". That's what South Korean pop stars are called! This designation was not chosen in vain - idols must be impeccable, this is their path and mission. Appearance, vocals, the ability to behave in public and, of course, dancing. All skills must be perfect! Idols should always be in an image that is ideal in the eyes of the public. nine0003
Well, the dance direction of K-Pop is based on the stage choreography of those same idols and directly depends on the development of the industry. In the first ten years, during the early stages of K-Pop, dancing wasn't that important. They performed an exclusively decorative function: the productions were not difficult - so that fans could easily memorize them and be able to repeat them on their own. Over time, the choreography became more complex - and by the beginning of the third generation, it became as important as the musical component of any show. Moreover, they began to add acrobatic elements to the performances! As a result, the trend has passed - today choreographers use the personal skills of the group members more as a guide - it is on their basis that they develop dance concepts. nine0003
So what kind of dance direction is K-Pop? Bright, scenic, deep in its cultural component! You will not just repeat the movements of idols - you will immerse yourself in a special environment: stage preparation, musicality, self-confidence. K-Pop dance is beautiful, technical, empowering, and exciting to a new world. They include elements of different directions and a wide variety of techniques: something from hip-hop, something reminiscent of jazz funk, something in the style of Vogue! nine0003
There is one important point - in order to start dancing K-Pop, it is not at all necessary to be a fan of the culture, to be a fan of idols and keep abreast of the development of the industry. You can take it easier - and just surrender to the dance, learn cool choreographies and develop day by day. Well, if you decide to immerse yourself in culture, our teacher will help and support you.
K-POP at the dance school BAZA DANCE PLACE is taught by Alena Cho, a girl who, thanks to her love for dance and culture, her hard work and diligence, ended up on the same stage with idols in the city of Changwon (South Korea). A sensitive teacher who burns with his work and pays attention to each student in the group - this is the only way we work! nine0003
Don't be shy, dare, try new things and push the boundaries. And even better - remember that there are no borders, come and dance at the Base!
How to dance well to become a K-pop dancer?
You need to take quite a variety of courses, have a very solid foundation in classical, jazz and modern dance. This is a sector that you enter only on a competitive basis. Get a state diploma in France and contacts will be made on their own if you have talent and motivation. nine0003
moreover, How to become a good dancer?
5 elementaries Bon dancer
- Learn to move! . ..
- Rest assured, because your movements will be less uncomfortable if you are not afraid of what you are doing with your legs or arms.
- Learn the right moves so you don't get caught off guard and tune in to your partner's moves.
How to become a K-pop star? Young people who dream of become " idol " Discuss labels and then go through a series of intense auditions. Once chosen, they will rehearse for months, if not years, before they start performing. It's like learning Korean, it takes hard work and patience.
Moreover, how to become a professional dancer at the age of 13?
Dance professions available through conservatories
These two schools are available from ages to 13 , for training within stipulated timeframes leading directly to big companies. nine0003
What is urban dance?
La urban dance is a sport that has few rules but requires a lot of technique and creativity. Check out some of the many styles of that regroup urban dance . An integral part of hip-hop culture, Urban Dance is committed to diversity, sharing and creativity.
What are the qualities of a good dancer?
Know-how will be
- Passion for dance, movement.
- Taste for teamwork.
- Ability to understand by ear.
- Accessibility (rehearsals and tours), flexibility, adaptability
- Sense of observation and mimicry.
- Sense of rhythm and ear for music.
- creativity
- Severity.
How to be fluid in dancing?
Stretch!
Stretching exercises will improve your flexibility as well as the way you work. nine0035 Danser . The more you stretch, the better your jumps, steps, etc. Stretching can also help prevent injury.
How to recognize a good dancer?
A study conducted by English researchers and published on Thursday, February 9 in the journal Scientific Report analyzes what constitutes a good dancer . The recipe for is good to dance according to this study? Large swing of the hips and asymmetrical movements of the hips and arms. nine0003
What is the best K-pop agency?
Top K-Pop agencies :
- SM Entertainment (98 points)
- Big Hit Entertainment (83 points)
- JYP Entertainment (48 points)
- YG Entertainment (8 points)
Where do K-pop stars live?
Gangnam is the most exclusive area in the Korean capital. Here you will find luxury boutiques, trendy bars and sports, the most spectacular luxury cars. nine0003
How do you manage to be a star?
In order for to become a star, the first and often the most difficult step is to get noticed. To get into the environment you are interested in, start by looking for a basic job there. Put your foot in the middle and trust your talent to help you climb the corporate ladder.
Which Bachelor to choose to become a dancer?
Recommended bachelor's degree: dance option L (until 2020) or any other ferry and a proven technical level (practical de dance, diploma in choreography in progress).
What profession is associated with dancing?
crafts related to this topic
- Circus performer. ...
- Choreographer. ...
- Fitness trainer / sports trainer. ...
- Dancer. ...
- Decorator-scenographer. ...
- Designer. …
- Casting director. ... nine0042
- Trainer.
How to make a living dancing?
Therefore, it is very important to take many internships, seminars or master classes in addition to basic studies at the conservatory or elsewhere. In terms of employment, some big companies are doing well and looking for new dancers from time to time, so you should be prepared to travel to auditions.
What is urban dancing?
Style definitions dance 9B-boys and B-Girls (not Break Dancer) ... Why dance hip-hop?
Hip et Hops reflect the desire for explosion, life and energy. in hip – hop is part of a particularly violent and disruptive social and urban context of the 1970s - the degradation of living conditions, Ronald Reagan's neo-liberalism, the black minority - the American community.
What is the most popular dance?
1. Argentine tango - Buenos Aires. nine0003
Who are the best dancers in the world?
Which le dancers the most gifted Monde ?
- large dancers : Maurice Béjart.
- Vaslav Nijinsky.
- Manuel Legris.
- Famous dancer: Marie-Claude Pietragalla.
- Rudolf Nureyev.
- Pavel Dmitrichenko.
- Dancers famous: Benjamin Millepied.
- Michael Jackson.
Why be a dancer?
"Pleasure from the stage, exultation before testing one's body, lack of routine, narcissistic and emotional benefits. .." are the answers. But also suffering, physical injury, balance of power with choreographers, unemployment, ultra-fast retraining... The construction of sexual identity is widely discussed.
How to make dancing your profession?
Become a dancer: training required
See also
After completing the bachelor's degree, short courses lead to graduation, often leading to teaching dance . The most prestigious training courses are held at the Paris and Lyon Conservatories, as well as at the Paris Opera School.
How to make progress in dancing?
Progress quickly into dance
- Take notes. ...
- Practice a little every day. ... nine0042
- Make an evening for an hour of class. ...
- Plan goals for each night. ...
- Find training partners. ...
- Get tested by prof. ...
- Don't miss out on internships in the region. ...
- Listen to a lot of music and count.