non-centre stage; brave new world
position; miryo, main rapper
groupmates; @dahyexrk, @rkwendy, @rkxminhee
shiah knew her rap training would come in handy one day. this month had been crazy busy for her, since she had taken on five performance, rather than the required two. shiah wanted to branch out though, she wanted to try different genres and positions to show off her all-rounder capabilities. while ga in’s part in brave new world would be the typical position shiah would go for, this wasn’t her centre stage, and ga in was the centre in this performance. it was dahye’s time to shine in the spotlight (shouldn’t it always be?) and so that left the four of them with a bit of a dilemma: the rapper among them wouldn’t be rapping. shiah felt confident, however, when she took up the role, since she would get to show off her secret skill she had worked on so much. compared to most rap parts miryo did in their group’s songs, this rap verse wasn’t too difficult. shiah was excited to do it and show the coaches she could handle whatever they threw at her.
all three of her groupmates were her good friends, so it was fun to see them so shocked when they heard her rap. her absolute favourite line was ‘i got a blood pressure, i gotta get some fresh air’ since it allowed her to give some attitude while saying it. she even threw in a wink for good measure. if ever royal needed another rapper besides dahye, shiah was ready to go.
the genre was fun to do, it wasn’t the typical stuff one would see from a girl group, though it was sort of typical for shiah at this point. for evals she always found herself gravitating towards girl crush concepts, and brown eyed girls was the pinnacle of girl crush. still, it was different, and she was enjoying it a lot. the performance wasn’t too difficult, since the harder dance parts were narsha and ga in’s parts, shiah just had to focus on the rapping, which with enough practice she was able to nail pretty well. she was pretty geeked about their outfits too, since they were pretty and classy while still fitting into the girl crush image. it was probably her favourite performance out of all five of her performances this month, maybe rivaled by i swear. the best part was showing off her rapping, for sure, and she hoped the coaches remembered it.
This performance sounded the simplest yet this proven to be a challenge vocally, thankfully Wendy gave her least lines in this performance. She felt blessed to be performing talented vocalists once again, she never tired of hearing these ladies angelic vocals. The sphere did have a good ear when comes to harmonization ( which still working on improving ) she did like to harmonize with other singers as sounds ten times better than own voice. Minhee didn’t have powerful vocals like wonderful wendy nor she never will no matter how much she practices. Besides she is content with the fact, she couldn’t handle the pressure of being the main vocalist and rather become the sub-vocalist in the future.
Part of Minhee will be envious of these singers to be blessed with these beautiful voices, between her and Yooa were weakest vocalists yet Yooa could hit high notes better than her. Gosh, she was such in awe of their talent too. It encourages her to give her best on her few lines she had to do, showing off a little dash of charm when delivering the lines. The words of the song weren’t really hard to relate too either, in her heart she knows there are people who would love to meet again and wish they would stay longer. Minhee acted on those thoughts, trying to seduce them to make them stay little longer as she didn’t want to be alone, through lingering looks and glances. In the end, the performance felt quite simple and sweet plus the girls never seem to disappoint either. It would be nice to work together again for another evaluation, she prefers group evaluations instead of solo ones. She felt too exposed when she is performing her own with all her flaws and weakness out in the open, at least in the group she could hide to some extent. Maybe she might change her in mind in the future...
Son Seungwan
Nova Ent - August 2018 Evaluations
Center Stage - One Of These Nights (Red Velvet) | Line Distribution
With: @rksohee, @rkyooa @rkxminhee @dahyexrk
Getting people to work with her for this month’s evaluation had been fairly easy, much to Wendy’s surprise. However, it was deciding on a final song that had taken Wendy several days to accomplish. She had ended up settling for Red Velvet’s “One Of These Nights,” the same song she and the rest of Team Nova sang during the MGA’s ballad round when they were participants. It’s a ballad that tells a beautiful story and allows them all to showcase their vocals. It also has enough choreography for them to get away with performing a slower song.
To her surprise and delight, she had gotten Shiah unni, Dahye unni, and Minhee unni to join her for this after they all recruited her to complete their team for Dahye unni's "Brave New World" performance. Meanwhile, she had been lucky enough that Sohee unni needed a non-center performance. That had been easily settled. One Of These Nights is a song Wendy was already familiar with, so it was also no problem for her to distribute lines accordingly based on people's singing abilities. She was obviously going to be the main vocal, since this is her center stage. However, it had been deciding who the lead vocalist would be that took some time.
Practice had been easy on her, considering they all got along well and were able to help each other to do their best. Wendy will admit she's not exactly center material; however, she will prove that she can try. After all, for a ballad, she supposes the main vocal can be considered the center. They had made a few changes from the original formation for Wendy to be the center for the parts they're just standing still. Wendy's aware that she has issues with standing out when it's not her turn to sing. It's time she changes that.
She starts them off, after all, as the center, it's her job to set the mood for the performance. The song is one of longing and waiting for a love that's all but forbidden. It's not a kind of pain in love that Wendy thinks she'll ever fully understand or relate to, but she understands the feeling of being willing to wait for a chance to get together. She supposes that's how it is when you find love at a time you're not meant to. When you are supposed to love your career and nothing else. That is something she can understand all the more. After all, it is something she might be going through if she's reading the situation correctly.
Sohee unni and Shiah unni can hold their own weights when it comes to ballads, and she likes to think it shows during their parts. Meanwhile, Wendy had spent a while feeling bad for giving Dahye unni and Minhee unni only a few lines. However, they had both admitted that vocally demanding songs aren't their forte just yet. After all, Dahye unni is a rapper rather than a vocalist, while Minhee unni lacks the stability needed for the more vocally demanding parts.
She performs the choreography as they had practiced, trying to put more emotion in her movements. Wendy has limited dance skills, but she will do her best to fake it until she makes it. She's grateful that there are actual dancers in her team who were able to teach the rest of them.
At the bridge, Wendy puts all the power she has. It's the point where she's saying that waiting is no big deal. This is what the song was building up to. All the vocal restraint from earlier has been abandoned as she passionately declares that she doesn't mind waiting for the moment they will meet again. She supposes that's the case in real life too. Wendy doesn't mind waiting for the right moment to love so singularly... so openly.
Before she knows it, they have reached the end of the song. This time, Wendy sings it in a softer, gentler tone. Earlier, she was pouring out her whole heart and soul. At this point, it's more of a silent promise between her and her love that they will meet again. She had struggled conveying this restrained emotion and vulnerability in her voice while practicing. At least, she nailed it when it mattered the most.
She stands in the center, with her best somber face, surrounded by the rest of them. In a way, she finds this symbolic. She may be waiting for love, but she has her friends who are willing to stand by her side. It fits...
Afer profusely thanking each of the unnies who joined her for this performance with hugs, Wendy immediately rushes to the dressing room to change into her next performance's outfit. Wendy's just glad she has enough time to breathe between this stage, and her next ones where she's not the center. As much as she's got stamina, a girl also needs to rest. change outfits, and fix her makeup.
[/flopping down next to her in bed] I think we should get a dog. [/suddenly turning to her, his expression completely serious.] No no, I think we NEED to get a dog. [/ emphasising the word need, elongating the Japanese syllabus] Or two. [/already thinking of what breed they will be getting. because Toshi knows he is going to get away with this one.]
yeah, a pair would be perfect! we can adopt them from a shelter. [/nodding to himself. ] I already got a great naming system, actually, I already got a list of names I’d wanna name them. [/rolling on his back.] Whatcha say ‘Ba-chan?
and to think he thought singing on his instagram live was nerve-wrecking.
having a live audience was even worse, and he wasn’t even up on that stage yet. he had been shuffled off to the singing group. singing was only one of three groups too, imagine all the rappers and dancers that could sing too. imagine all the triple threats inside the building right now. he was shaking with nerves, and he definitely felt out of his depth here. how in the world was he supposed to compete with these people? they probably all had training and went to school for this stuff. him? he had a little bit of natural ability, but that was it. lots of people here probably had other skills they were able to showcase as performers. junmyeon? he could... look pretty? god, this had to be the one and only time he was actually admitting that he was a really good-looking dude, and the only reason he was admitting it was because he needed it. god, this was so intimidating.
standing around, waiting, watching other people get up there and sing their hearts out, it was enough to send him running in the opposite direction, but with his nerves turning his legs to jelly, there was no way he’d actually get running anytime soon. these people were so talented, they could belt out incredible notes and sound like angels. no wonder they were all here at this audition. the companies hosting would be crazy not to sign each and every one of them. well, except him. he could sing somewhat decently, that was his only saving grace. he had already accepted he wouldn’t be moving on past this round before he had even gotten up on that stage. at least he could say he did it? there could be no regrets. maybe if some acting companies saw him on tv they’d scout him to be an actor, and then he could live out his dream. or maybe he’d get cut from this. but a representative from one of the companies would catch him before he left to discuss making him an actor. maybe even a model? something.
before he knew it, he was being called up to the stage. wow, okay, this was way more terrifying up on the stage than it was just watching from the side. could anyone see him shaking? he hoped not. turning to the judges, a smile immediately broke out over his lips. he had to make a good first impression, right? he bows, deeply, out of respect to them. “hello, i’m the lovely flower, jun--” he stopped, the weight of the world suddenly crashing down on him. he could feel all the eyes in the room on him right now. it was insane how hot it felt under so many burning gazes. he chuckles softly, and makes himself relax, giving a nod. “june. i’m the lovely flower, june. warm and sunny, like the month of june.” he could hear some people laughing in the crowd, and it oddly gave him a little more confidence. “i’ll be performing ‘perfect’ by ed sheeran for you today, please enjoy.”
with that, the song began and it was a wonder his knees weren’t knocking together with how nervous he was. he was thankful it started out easy and slow, but singing in front of all of these people... he could just die, honestly. how was he supposed to focus on the song and not all the eyes watching him?
dahye.
the lyrics of the song were oddly perfect for how he was starting to feel towards the elder woman. fell in love when they were young, sharing the same dreams... all he had to do was think of her, and suddenly, his expression held ease, his form relaxed, and his eyes held stars, as if he was saying all of this to her and not to a crowd of strangers all judging his ability. it was so much easier that way. who knew that dahye would be his guiding star in this entire ordeal? he couldn’t have guessed it, and the girl didn’t even know the worlds-worth of help she was giving him, just by existing.
before he knew it, the song was over, and he could feel the stares of admiration from the women in the room. ah, every time... that would be his charm throughout this whole thing though, winning the women over and charming them with his beautiful looks and dreamy disposition. just being him could actually get him through this whole thing.
she wasn't really his ideal type, as he was into real beauties, but she was petite and cute like a small animal, which let the urge to tease rise inside of him. this wasn't really the kind of environment to hook up, which was more of a reason to mess with her. he was confident of himself, had the looks and the skills to be recognized and people stared at him whenever he passed by. he didn't paid attention to them, they weren't people who were worth his time and attention. moving like a panther pass other players who he ignored balantly, he walked towards the blonde girl, a smirk on his lips. as he stood in front of his target, he bended forward a little and gave her a faked smile. "did you lost your team, oujo-chan?"
whenever he felt bored, right before a game that he would impossibly lose, he walked around and bothered both guys and gals, using his charms and confidence. it was fun to play with other's feelings and minds, provoking was art. "shall i accompany you for the time being?" he said in a low tone, as he inched closer. atsumu felt like a fox playing with a mouse, when he looked down on her blonde head which was cutely tied at the side. now that he had gotten a closer look, the female manager seemed more attractive than he thought at the first glance. which team was she supporting?
what a adorable shivering girl, he thought, when he put one hand kabedon-like against the wall to keep her from running away. he could barely imagine she hadn't been bothered before, especially now that he had seen her reaction. just a little longer. just a little longer fun for the monster.
kyungri, even now, is well acquainted with the life trainees must live, the trials they must under-go in hopes of seeking out their wildest dreams. she had lived that for a short period of time, heck, even gone as far as making her dreams come true. she’s always been a little bit bitter than all of it ended so quickly, without the say of her or her members. nonetheless, she dwells on it when her work load isn’t suffocating her.
she leans back against the booth chair, looking down at her nails with narrowed brows. she could probably do with a new manicure ( she could always do with a manicure, her mind was always bustling with new ideas ). occupying the table in front of her is the cafe menu and her mobile phone, which is awoken every few or so minutes as she keeps her eye on the time.
kyungri gets the long hours that trainees are given, so if anything, she’s more than understanding when her friends, whom are trainees, aren’t always up for hanging out. heck. she’d rather them get a better nights sleep or get something good to eat if it means they’ll feel that much better. but for one night, she’s somewhat hopeful she’ll be able to catch up with one of her friends. it’s worth a try, right? and besides, who didn’t love a late night rendezvous with beverages and pretty mood-lighting?
if there's one thing that krystal should know better about, it's concepts and learning how to adapt to them. known as the ice princess of sphere, she’d stick to her ballet and r&b songs. but for her, those days are over as she’s been exploring genres from hip-hop to rock, even switching boy band songs to a more feminine touch. she’d never been the one to go out of her way, but that ignorance is what led her to losing royal survival in the first place. she’d been a better pick if it wasn’t for trying to impress the public and remain in the same place but rather, impressing the public and trying out something new every single time.
a good artist knows their flaws and strengths, krystal having to be a proficient singer can hold up a good tune but what about her talent for dancing or song-writing? did that all go down the drain? no, she’s just not investing into it properly. with the right people around her, like minhee and yien, sphere people gave her the push she needed to succeed and come out of her shell.
the shy princess couldn’t remain silent for too long. besides, there’s nothing wrong with trial and error. she might’ve been a production of that in the first place. as far as her vocals go, she has to change up the tone for this song specifically. boy, does she aegyo but it does sell and look well. retaining the original flow of the song, that’s what she does playing the vocalist singing and dancing at the same time. smiling with her face as the other girls perform around her.
she has to hold herself decently, if not then her chances of debuting are less likely than the others despite how she might’ve been a trainee longer than a few other girls that were recently signed in sphere. with lines being shared for four girls, she doesn’t find the struggle as bad as she estimated. she has time to take a deep breath, relax and continue dancing.
