K-Pop

K-Pop Culture Thriving at Kristin

The introduction of K-Pop dance classes to its co-curricular offering has been an unparalleled success for the Kristin Dance Department this year. Influencing the popularity of this unique style of dance was welcoming global K-Pop superstar and Kristin Alumni from the class of 2001 Rina Chae to the teaching programme.

Rina is an internationally-renowned dancer and choreographer and the New Zealand queen of K-Pop. She has worked and danced all over the globe with some of the world’s hottest music artists including Beyoncé and Justin Bieber, and choreographed for K-Pop greats BoA, Stephanie Kim, SF9 and Monsta X. She runs En Beat Dance Academy on the North Shore, stars in TVNZ’s K-Pop Academy, and leads key nationwide events and festivals for K-Pop.

The phenomenal demand for K-Pop dance lessons at Kristin meant that three separate classes were established. With over 50 students from Years 9 to 13 vying for a place, the auditions were intense and Rina had her work cut out to define just two performance crews.

The purpose of these crews is to train up for performances and competitions throughout the year – Kristin’s celebrated International Peace Night (IPN) and the whole-school dance showcase Dance in the Dove being two key events to prepare for. The third class is open level, focused on developing the fundamentals of K-Pop, and growing confidence in performance and expression.

Students meet in the Dance Studio for a group warm-up before dispersing into their separate training areas for drills in choreography, technique, styling and performance. In what is fast becoming a highlight of the week, the classes regroup for a showing of each other’s work. The enormous support and encouragement students display towards their peers during this showing is quite special, with the Dance Studio filled with cheers and calls of genuine awe and appreciation.

“The K-Pop culture at Kristin has developed in such a short time and is truly incredible to witness. The students cheer each other on, and wholeheartedly support each and every performer, regardless of year level, dance experience or degree of confidence. I’m so proud of what we’re creating here and can’t wait to see these amazing young people light up the stage later this term.”