Bonding the Community
Through
K-pop Cover Dance
What is K-pop Cover Dance?
K-pop cover dance is a performance where a dancer imitates the choreography of a K-pop song.
There is neither a right nor a wrong way to “do” cover dance. It can be either a faithful re-creation or a simplification (frequently), an improvement (arguably), or a reimagination of the official choreography. The dancing may be observed in the form of a live performance or in a video made for upload.
"I feel people here enjoy K-pop music even more than Korean people do, which makes me feel proud of my country."
Nathan Chou is an international students from South Korea. He began learning K-pop dance five years ago when he first move to Vancouver. From his experience, most people who come to dance studios are highly skilled, making the environment quite competitive. However, K-pop Dance Night provides a welcoming platform for newcomers to enjoy dancing for fun and connect with others.
The rise of K-pop groups like EXO and BTS in 2012 and 2013 helped launch the third generation of K-pop boy bands. This generation introduced K-pop to a global audience. Jinghan was among the many international fans influenced during that era. She became a K-pop fan while still a primary school student in China.
"There's a large distinction between the old generation and the new. I want to bring fresh energy and the latest trend to the new K-pop scene."
For Nathan and Jinghan, this was their first time collaborating. They initially met through their shared love of K-pop, which they see as a bridge that connects people from diverse backgrounds.
Their partnership reflects the spirit of K-pop Dance Night, where participants come together to form meaningful connections and friendships through their mutual passion for K-pop.
Aryan and Christina first met in a course on East Asian culture. After discovering their shared love for K-pop, they began attending K-pop dance activities together. This K-pop Dance Night brought them back together after a long time apart. Aryan believes that male participants are relatively rare in K-pop dance events, making it especially meaningful for him to connect with like-minded friends in such settings.
"There’s just a feeling of pure joy finding a place where you belong with a group of people who love and support you for who you are."
"I feel like K-pop is a good starting point to make friends with similar interest. It really unleash yourself in front of the other person, and they really can accept your true self."
When Nancy first arrived as a student, she barely knew anyone. Initially, she taught herself to dance at home. However, she soon realized her desire to connect with others and then joined a K-pop dance studio. Today, most of her closest friends are passionate K-pop fans. She has also filmed dance covers, competed in contests, and won prizes.
Over the past few years, social media, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, helped K-pop gain more global attention.
In 2019, 2022, and 2023, seven to eight K-pop solo artists and idol groups performed annually in Vancouver. In the first half of 2024, three K-pop idol groups held performances in the city.
While the number of concerts has remained steady, the number of physical and virtual B.C. based K-pop stores has grown from three in 2019 to nine in 2024.
This increase in physical stores reflects how business owners recognize K-pop fans as a growing consumer base.
This year’s K-pop Dance Event marks the fourth organized by the UBC Department of Asian Studies. In collaboration with the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea, the event aims to introduce K-pop to a broader audience and foster opportunities to connect and build a sense of community.
"K-pop is the most popular and beloved aspect of the diverse Korean culture. It's really exciting to see a lot of people from all across the world to like Korea culture. In addition to the mission I have, I want to meet any students who're interested in Korean culture, because I really appreciate their enthusiasm."
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