I don’t think I’ll be making a ‘Korea’ out of this any time soon, but I thoroughly enjoyed the K-Pop dance class I joined on a dark and cold January afternoon.
In A Nutshell
The term ‘K-pop’ started to come into use around the beginning of the 2000s, generally referring to pop music from South Korea. It has become a really big deal, with super groups BTS and Black Pink making a huge impact on the charts worldwide. There has also been lots of cross over into western music too, both in terms of collaborations and influencing styles.
International Experience
I popped onto the zoom call where I met my instructor, Jay Kim. This turned out to be a private class as there was only me booked on!
My instructor was brilliantly friendly and smiley, even though it was 1a.m. in South Korea! He told me a bit about his incredible background in choreography, so I knew I was in very capable hands, (should that be K-pable?!)
Stepping Up For The K-Pop Dance Class
We started out very slowly. Jay Kim played the music at half the speed, and walked through a couple of steps at a time. These moves were very cleanly delivered and well defined – at least they were when he demonstrated them in his flat. I somehow seemed to flail a little. We learnt a few moves, then practiced to the music a couple of times. He danced with me and gave me feedback, and then we learnt the next few steps.
After several run throughs, he wanted me to dance on my own so that he could give me a proper critique. Talk about feeling self conscious! My body and brain tried to work together but they just couldn’t quite keep up with each other. I was so busy thinking about the moves, that I don’t think I executed them in quite the cool manner that Jay Kim was used to from his students.
I was thankful that I was doing this on a dark afternoon. The curtains were firmly pulled across and nobody could observe my uncoordinated attempts at dancing!
Frolicking In The Front Room
As I stepped, pointed, turned and thrust, Jay Kim pieced all of the moves together. We ran through it all to the music. This felt like a lot to remember, but I gave it my best shot. And then he played the music at the regular speed. It felt super fast! I got most of it right, (I think). It was exhausting both mentally and physically. I had a blast!
More Than An o-K Instructor
This could have been really awkward, especially with it being a one on one class, but I fully embraced it. Jay Kim was an absolutely brilliant instructor – patient, encouraging and very enthusiastic. I was a very willing student, however lacking a little in ability. I think he may have been occasionally frustrated at my wobbles and flourishes.
K-Popping Off
Sixty minutes sped by, and after a few final run throughs, Jay Kim gave me his final verdict, which was ever so encouraging, although I don’t think he’ll be calling me up to join him on stage any time soon.
This was brilliant fun and a great workout in the comfort of my own front room. I made mistakes, but it didn’t matter in the slightest. I laughed when I messed up, (which was frequently), and enjoyed watching a professional show me what it should have looked like!
Want To Try It Yourself?
- I found this experience through Airbnb. They offer a whole host of online experiences.
- I’ve been on a live virtual African safari.
- I’ve also met a shark scientist who did an amazing session about the often misunderstood creatures.
- Now I’ve also done a K-Pop Dance class! Brilliant!
- Take a look at Airbnb online experiences to see what you might like.
- Have a look on-line for any in-person K-Pop dance classes if you fancy a face to face class.
Cost Of Experience
This hour session cost me £12.45
- Different Airbandb experiences cost different amounts.
- K-Pop dance classes will vary in price depending who your tutor is and whether the session is in person or virtual.
Recommendations
- Leave your inhibitions at the door and embrace the class.
- Wear comfortable clothes you can easily move in.
- Enjoy the process of trying to remember the moves in the right sequence!
- Take a picture as you make some shapes!