As the cofounder of 1MILLION Dance Studio, Lia Kim is likely one of the most influential choreographers on the earth. Lia’s dance routines have been foundational to the success of the studio, which continues to draw the very best dancers and collaborate with the most popular manufacturers and artists.
But one other key element of 1MILLION Dance Studio is the worldwide fan base of thousands and thousands that it has cultivated via its YouTube movies. And earlier this 12 months, the studio took one other step ahead with the launch of its official Spotify profile, which options tracks from its hottest movies together with curated playlists from its high instructors.
For Lia—who has danced professionally since she was 12 and has personally choreographed efficiency routines for the likes of BoA, Girls’ Generation, and SUNMI—constructing group and making dance accessible for everybody is the a part of 1MILLION Dance Studio that she values essentially the most. It’s additionally why she and 1MILLION Dance Studio have set out internationally to host lessons and workshops for dancers of all talent ranges.
For the Record sat down with Lia to debate what evokes her creatively, the ability of group, and what she envisions for the way forward for dance.
Which Spotify characteristic pursuits you essentially the most?
The social listening characteristic. The proven fact that listeners can share their music tastes via social media, akin to Facebook and Instagram, is aligned with our mission. Allowing listeners to speak with each other and luxuriate in songs collectively in actual time is one thing I discover very attention-grabbing.
Dance developments appear to vary over time. What is the brand new dance pattern for 2022, and the way is 1MILLION adopting this pattern?
In the previous, I believe that individuals most popular new songs. Right now, there’s a spread of dance developments, like how retro songs are trendier than newer songs. Lately, we’ve been choreographing to songs from the ’80s and ’90s, and even the ’50s and ’60s.
What do you assume differentiates 1MILLION Dance Studio from different dance studios?
We will not be solely an area for high dancers but additionally an area the place we search to popularize and globalize dance. Right now, 70% of our college students are from different nations. Even at dance workshops which can be held overseas, individuals see the 1MILLION model and are available to us. We’ve visited over 20 nations—together with the United States, China, Japan, and France—and we dance with about 500 individuals throughout any given workshop. It’s actually superb to see individuals of various cultures who’re talking completely different languages all come collectively to speak and heal via dance.
If you had been to choose a music style that embodies 1MILLION Dance Studio’s identification, what would it not be?
Definitely hip-hop! Hip-hop units new developments!
What is your final objective because the cofounder of 1MILLION Dance Studio?
It’s quite simple: We wish to enrich lives via dance. I hope 1MILLION will turn out to be an area the place individuals can simply come by freely to bop in the way in which they might exit for a drink after work. It’s good to discover ways to dance, but it surely’s even higher when you can actually take pleasure in dancing. There’s no such factor as a foul dancer.
Do you may have something you wish to say to those that like dance however are afraid to attempt it?
Don’t be shy; simply dance! I utterly perceive those that wish to dance however are hesitant to. But simply hearken to your coronary heart and physique, and go for it!
Is there one thing particular about Okay-Dance?
Perfect synchronization. There’s no different nation that may outperform Korea when it comes to talent, approach, high quality, or coaching. There shouldn’t be a single mistake. I believe that’s what makes Okay-Dance particular.
Are there any standards for choosing songs to bop to?
I often search for songs which have good beats, vocals, and melodies. I like artists akin to Bruno Mars and The Weeknd.
Do you may have your individual philosophy on dance?
Dance is all about confidence. Dancing isn’t tough. It’s all about feeling the rhythm, immersing your self within the track, and shifting your physique nonetheless you need.
Where do you get your inspiration? Do you may have a selected course of whenever you put together to choreograph?
I watch numerous movies—together with films—to get inspiration. I additionally examine movies of different choreographers, and I typically watch the movies of 1MILLION’s beginner-level college students and get new concepts from them.
I attempt to not put an excessive amount of stress on myself as a result of choreographing a dance is one thing that should come from my inside self. I additionally hearken to songs repeatedly to try to perceive the songwriter’s message or intention, in addition to rigorously observe the artist’s habits and traits. When all of this stuff are built-in into the choreography, it feels way more pure to each the viewers and dancers.
Discover extra from 1MILLION Dance Studio on its official Spotify profile, which incorporates Yoojung Lee’s Mystery Party playlist: