The Ultimate Kpop Dance Guide: Become an Iconic Kpop Dancer

K-Pop 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 K-pop 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, K-pop 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 on board. 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!

1. The Crab Shuffle – “Gee” by Girls Generation 
2. The Arrogant Dance – “Abracadabra” by Brown-Eyed Girls
3. The Shoulder Dance – “Wannabe” by ITZY

Average

Once you’ve mastered some simple dance moves, it’s time to start working toward things that are challenging and require a sense of style.

1. The Bang Step – “Bang Bang Bang” by Big Bang
2. The Horse Move – “Gangnam Style” by PSY
3. 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. 

1. “Coming of Age Ceremony” by Park Ji Yoon
2. Tutting – “Lucifer” by SHINee
3. “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 K-pop dance so popular?

K-pop dance is so popular because of the quality, precision, and personal style idols bring into their dancing.

How can I improve my K-pop 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 it later

Where Can You Learn Kpop Dances?

On One Studios has a full package of K-pop 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!