A K-pop-themed dance workshop was hosted by the Korean Language and Culture Club (KLCC) to give students a chance to learn the clean and synchronized style of K-pop no matter their level of skill.
The workshop took place at the Johnson Recreation Center gym on Friday, Feb. 21. Gloria Ngalula, a junior marketing major, is the president of the KLCC and one of the coordinators of the workshop.
These workshops offer a chance for people to learn something with a group of people who may not know how to dance, according to Ngalula.
“I just want everyone to have fun, be able to share the hobbies and similarities with other people without feeling like you get judged and everything,” Ngalula said.
According to Ngalula, the workshops started when the leaders of the club realized some members joined because of their love for K-pop. They decided to expand the club to include dance lessons as well as learning the Korean language.
“Everyone is welcome and you can come in and say hi. Even if you don’t want to dance and you don’t have to be scared,” Ngalula said. “You don’t need to speak the language, just come and have fun.”
Jasmyne Meriwether, a UK alumna, was previously the social chair of KLCC and the instructor of the workshop.
“Even if people don’t know K-pop it’s still really fun to come to,” Meriwether said. “I really enjoy it, and it’s lots of fun when people bring their friends who don’t know K-pop, they have lots of fun.”
The routine that was taught at the workshop was to the song “Strategy” by the girl group Twice, the routine mimicked the routine featured in the band’s featured choreography.
According to Meriwether, one of the most fun aspects is getting to make new friends and meet new people.
“We like to dance together, we support each other and have fun,” Meriwether said.
Natalie McGarry, a sophomore English major, used to dance when she was younger and missed it so she enjoys going to the workshops because they give her a chance to learn new dances and reconnect with dance, according to McGarry.
“Whenever I can come to the dances, I love to show up because I love the environment and it’s just a fun way to meet these people and meet other dancers,” McGarry said.
McGarry also said that she met Ngalula and Meriwether through these workshops and has been friends with them for around a year.
“It’s always super fun to recognize each other on campus, and then come here and see a friendly face and get ready to learn something again when we’re comfortable with each other,” McGarry said.
Leah Moore, a senior agricultural economics major, said she recently joined because she enjoys K-pop and was interested in learning the Korean language.
“Every time we go to one of these (the workshops) or just the weekly club, I feel like we’re always laughing, we’re always having fun. It’s really enjoyable. It’s like the highlight of my week,” Moore said.
According to Moore, one of the most valuable parts of these workshops is the beginner-friendly environment they create.
“I feel like with K-pop it’s kind of rare that you find people that are into it like you are,” Moore said. “So to come here, it’s like a fun community to be a part of, to express your interest in something.”
