By Mulenga Mumba
From the 5th to the 9th of August, ARC Studios returned with an even hotter and more lit dance camp. Teaming up with 71 Entertainment, ARC Studios invited another roster of jaw-dropping and awe-inspiring choreographers to turn up the heat at this year’s dance camp. Being the third camp of its kind, this year’s camp saw over 100 attendees take part bringing amazing talent and swag, making this camp the best yet.
(Image: Louise Youles)
This year’s camp included another all-star lineup of instructors. I went in with a couple of favourite instructors and came out with a renewed love for the instructors I knew and a new-found love and admiration for the instructors I didn’t. This year’s roster featured Younjun Choi, Buckey, Wootae, J HO, Root, Yeojin, and Latrice (see instructor profiles and my thoughts below). Tina Boo was scheduled to be part of the camp, however, she couldn’t attend due to unforeseen circumstances.
Meet the Dance Instructors
(Image: Louise Youles)
His class was one of my favourites. He’s an amazing teacher and has so much energy. I could genuinely feel his passion and love for dance, which definitely had me reconsidering my life choices and what things I'm passionate about. Unfortunately, he could only do one of his scheduled classes due to having to fly back to South Korea the next day (bless his heart, he was genuinely sad that he couldn’t teach more). I’m praying he gets to come back and teach more classes here.
(Image: Louise Youles)
Buckey’s class (SWF2 Mannequeen - Easy choreography) was also one of my favourites for a couple of reasons. Firstly, I watched SWF2 religiously so to see this choreography in the flesh was an absolute honour (my jaw was on the floor for most of the class). Secondly, Buckey’s main style is in fact Krump (I know, I was astounded too - cue the fangirling cause I am enamoured with Krump as a style). Thanks to an amazing person who asked to see her Krump, we got to watch magic on the stage. Getting to see the power, energy and expression in her movements almost drove me to tears (didn’t cry though cause I had to keep a professional demeanour - you know, very demure lol).
(Image: Louise Youles)
Wootae’s classes were a joy to watch and participate in. He definitely had one of my favourite teaching styles (second only to Choi Youngjun) in the whole camp. He made sure everyone understood the music and how it translated into movement. He was also super groovy and I appreciate the fact that he took the time to explain how grooves tie into rhythm and musicality. I definitely felt like I came out of every class having a better understanding of how to use my body to express the music. I’m definitely looking forward to the next time I can take a class from Wootae.
(Image: Louise Youles)
I gotta say I was a bit star-struck considering I've been a fan since my uni days (don’t ask how long ago that was). To be able to experience a J HO class was definitely something I had on my bucket list and I can confidently say I wasn’t disappointed. The energy J HO managed to bring to class was amazing. He not only made sure that everyone was following the moves but he also managed to get everyone to loosen up and bring their authentic selves to the choreo. One of the things he said that sticks with me is that ‘you don’t have to have the choreography exactly 100%, instead, you can modify what doesn’t feel comfortable and make the choreo your own’.
(Image: Louise Youles)
Root has amazing energy when it comes to dance. From the choreo to overall class vibe, everything was hype from start to finish. By the end of his second class, I was very much a fan of not only his fierce dance style but also his vibrant demeanour and down to earth personality. One thing that really stood out about Root was his passion for dance. When not teaching a class, he would join in and take some classes from the other instructors. It was very humbling to see. It reminded me that learning is an ongoing process regardless of level or skill.
(Image: Louise Youles)
Her class was really energetic and very vibrant. Teaching her own choreography to Lisa’s Rockstar, the class had a very powerful and swaggy vibe. I wish I could possess even a fraction of the swag that was present in that room.
(Image: Louise Youles)
Latrice's class was super fun, The energy was electric, the vibes were vibing and the passion was flowing. It was amazing to see her dance live after having watched her on Street Dance of China and Street Woman Fighter 2. The power in her dance was seriously unmatched.
How the Dance Camp went
The classes were absolutely amazing. Each instructor brought something new to the class. The energy was also awe-inspiring. There was so much talent in the room and it was very exhilarating to watch.
(Image: Louise Youles)
The first class of the camp this year was taught by ROOT. Now, the first class sort of heralds the energy for the rest of the camp, so it’s kind of a big deal (I might be the only one who thinks this, but the first class definitely sets the tone for the rest of the camp imo). One thing I can say is, ROOT absolutely slayed the class. I can’t remember the last time I saw someone with so much energy (speaking as someone who is basically considered an “elder millennial”). His energy was super infectious, I found myself whooping and yelling with him. And true to this energy, the subsequent classes did not disappoint. Latrice taught the second class of day 1 and gave a very enlightening and educational Q&A afterwards.
(Image: Louise Youles)
Although the instructors had slightly differing teaching styles, they all very much managed to instil very important knowledge when it comes to evolving as a dancer as well as progressing within the dance industry for those who wish to become professional dancers. One of my favourite lessons echoed by multiple instructors was that having a love for dance is a very fundamental foundation when it comes to pursuing dance as a career (which is true). Having a deep love for dance will allow you to pursue dance through all the ups and all the downs, through all the failed auditions and dips in motivation. It was very humbling to see dancers and choreographers at the top of their game take time to talk about their experiences and struggles with dance through the Q&As.
(Image: Louise Youles)
Another very important lesson taught by the instructors, that most dancers (both those pursuing a career and those dancing as a hobby) forget, was the importance of foundations. This includes dance basics (grooves, levels etc), knowing how to listen to the music (rhythm, timing etc), and overall body awareness (extensions, body position etc). Wootae especially took the time to break down grooves and how to play around with music in a way that builds comfort and confidence. His basics class on the fourth day of the camp was one of my favourites because it really drove home the importance of not only understanding the music but also having fun with music. Sometimes, dancers get focused on getting the choreo absolutely perfect or standing out and being selected for groups. I think the instructors of this camp really managed to emphasise the importance of not hyperfocusing on those aspects and rather focusing on being yourself and having fun (you tend to shine more that way).
Auditions:
This year saw auditions for not only Korean entertainment companies including Cube, KQ Entertainment, YG, PNATION etc. but also Korean dance companies including 71 Entertainment, Peace Maker and Hennesy (HNSY) which meant that students could, for the first time, audition specifically for dance companies. The auditions took place on the fourth day of the camp, followed by a showcase in the evening. I really commend everyone that took part in the auditions. Regardless of the result, it was a very good experience when it came to learning what things Korean entertainment companies and dance companies look for in auditions. I definitely hope everyone continues to audition and chase their dreams.
(Image: Louise Youles)
In terms of the Showcase, students were encouraged to pick group or individual pieces to perform. The showcase was held to share our love of music and dance, as well as celebrate all the hard work the students had put in during the earlier days of the camp with family and friends. It was definitely a riot seeing everyone perform their favourite pieces and share their most memorable things about the camp. We also had surprise guest performances by the three audition judges which was a great way to end the evening.
(Image: Louise Youles)
Overall, the camp ended on a high with students receiving certificates of participation as well as having some fun playing random dance play games before we all parted. This year’s camp has definitely raised the bar for upcoming camps. I hope to see both old and new faces at next year’s dance camp and look forward to it being even bigger and better than any of the previous ones before.
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