A Soundbox Studio Dance Showcase:
Oh Sehun - An Interview
November 19, 2016 | tagged: @rksoojung
It was unexpected for him when he was informed about the on stage interview. But as surprising as it was, instead of feeling nervous, he had been excited, although the pounding of his heart is slightly irregular, he supposes it’s due to anticipation. The fact that it’s right after his performance doesn’t help either. He’s still high from the adrenaline, so he’s all smiles and rainbows when he approaches Dahae, giving her a polite bow as a greeting. It was an honour though, considering the interview will be done by one their teachers. He just wishes he could remember look over at the audience or something.
“Hello Sehun-ssi, we see you’re still a little pumped from that performance. That was indeed a nice piece from you and Soojung-ssi,” she pauses, “Tell us, what’s it like working with Soojung for a piece like this?”
Sehun clears his throat before answering the question comfortably. “In one word, it would definitely be ‘fun’. Soojung-noona have been good friends for as long as I can remember, and she’s probably one of the few people I know who takes practicing to a whole new level,” he chuckles, remembering the number of times they had to start from the top because he had messed up.
“Though the piece comes with a theme I’m a little inexperienced with, it is still in a genre we’re both more than comfortable with, so it helped make practising easier. She has always been great with her singing, and she dances quite well, too. Not to mention she’s one of my seniors here, so it’s only natural that we discuss how we want our overall performance would look like. We combine our ideas, see if it’ll look good, then do some changes if needed,” he pauses. “Noona’s as supportive as she’s determined. Definitely the type to push someone to their limits because she knows they can without going overboard.”
“Ah yes, we also believe it’s important to be comfortable with the theme as well as with your partner when doing any kind of performance,” there was a chuckle before she continues, “If you weren’t here, at Soundbox or on this stage, what do you think you would be doing?”
Briefly, he wonders if being honest in interviews like this will be okay, or if he needed to spew out interesting answers regardless if they’re true or not. But before he could really think about it, he opts for the truth.
“Honestly? I’ll probably be at home, sleeping.” He lets out a chuckle before he clears his throat again. “I’m kidding. But if I weren’t in Soundbox attending classes, I’ll probably be at home or at a studio or any spacious place, really, practising a dance cover or something. It’s one of the few things I love doing. If not, I stand by my first answer - at home getting some shut eye.”
“Well, that’s understandable. Working so hard like that, it’s only natural to want to get enough rest.” There’s another paus and a flip of her cue cards before they continued on. “Sounbox studio has done a lot of showcases and events in the past. What does it mean to you to do an event like this?”
It’s Sehun who takes a few beats to collect his thoughts before answering. “I think it’s a great way to bond with everyone. We’re a closed-knit group, yes, but I personally think there’s something special about being able to do something we all love doing together,” he replies with a slight nod of his head. “Preparations are tiring, yes, but at the end of the day, after accomplishing something like this together with everyone; all the hardships and late night practices becomes a treasured memory, and I think that’s awesome! Plus, it’s also a great way to show people interested in joining how much fun Soundbox Studio is.” Sehun gives a thumbs up at this.
That had seemed to wrap up the interview. Still unable to get rid of the grin on his lips, he exits the stage to prepare for their next performance.
A Soundbox Studio Dance Showcase
Hotline Bling ft. Jung Soojung (@rksoojung)
November 19, 2016
The sweating of his hands could be linked to the excitement buzzing in his veins, his heart pumping to the beat of anticipation that makes him shuffle in his place as they wait for their turn to take the stage. It’s a huge contrast to how he had been feeling during practice, his body almost collapsing on itself from exhaustion. The crowd’s response had been very warm and welcoming though, and it adds to the excitement he seems to be brimming with.
It’s been a while since Soundbox had done an event like this, something of a good cause apart from advertising Soundbox’s name, and he’s psyched to be a part of something like it. It took them a while to settle on a music, let alone choreograph a routine. Soojung had been very patient with him though, and for that he’s glad. They had done a few covers before, and had performed as trainees at one point. This is their first time to hit the stage as Soundbox kids, as surprising as that sounds considering they’ve been there for a long while now.
It doesn’t take long before the stage lights dim, their cue given just as the place is enveloped in darkness. Sehun almost trips on the stairs in his haste, his hands instinctively reaching out for Soojung’s. The seconds tick by and the light gradually illuminates them, the beams almost touching their skin but not really. He takes a calming breath just as the intro starts, the first beats of the music echoing in his ears, making the tips of his fingers tingle.
It was regrettably a short piece, a simple one without too much flashy steps. They had decided to go with the feel of the music, letting the lyrics speak through their every move, keeping each breath in sync with each beat and rhythm. It was entirely different from their usual performances where they pay more attention to detail, showcasing the complexity of each move - something he had been accustomed and enjoyed doing. This time, they show the simplicity of the routine, letting the overall emotion of the music take over. It flows like water, like how they originally wanted it to look, letting the melody of the piano merge with every glide of their feet.
Sehun gives it his all, supporting Soojung every step of the way. He lets her shine, as she should on that stage. They moved as one, their rhythm in synched. There was an element of resitance, a conflict with one’s self that the song implies. They stick to the story they wanted to portray, from the gentle but firm touches, of craving closeness but not wanting to touch.
It wasn’t long before they near the end of the routine. Sehun was to lift Soojung and spin once before he lets her unceremoniously fall to the ground, uncaring, putting an end to an emotionally draining relationship. He mentally sends her a hundred apologies when he hears the inevitable thud from when she hits the floor, but he was not to look back, a resolve a man in that kind of relationship should possess. Slowly, the music fades out just in time for him to walk away from the scene, Soojung still on the ground in a crouch.
The light dims back to black just as applause reaches their ears. There’s a grin on his face as he welcomes Soojung back in his arms, patting her back for a job well done.
Soundbox Studio’s Charity Event; Jazz & Yubin & Sooyoung; Show Me How You Burlesque.
At this point she had wonder if her hair and body would survive all the changes but even more she wondered if people were tired of seeing her, from the interview until this last stage but she wasn't tired of the stage, she wouldn't ever be tired. That was all it took to bring a smile to her face, and an even bigger once since she would be going out with a bang.
The rest of the songs she performed were slow and had a relaxing beat but this one was upbeat and fun, in her eyes it was a great way to end the stage. The song had attitude and Yubin knew she could bring it. The icing on top was that she was able to help out her own student while doing this.
Quickly she took her place on stage behind the other two and smirked to herself as the music and the dance started. When the other two parted to reveal her, she threw a kiss to the crowd and move into her spot, moving her hips until she reached the ground, only to pop back up and start shaking them.
It only more fun from there as they danced, carefully moving places but still keeping with the time of the song. This one wasn't only about the dance but her expression also, and she didn't have to fake. Every smile she sent towards the crowd and her dance mates had been real, even more so because she was proud of her student for pulling this all together.
Making a come hither motion, she brushed some hair out her face and moved into her next spot, bending down while still doing a turn, she could hear some people cheer and the only caused her to put more energy into her next moves. Honestly, it had been a minute since she stood on stage, so this moment was something she would savor for a while. Once again, she was able to feel free and enjoying doing the things she had been training.
Finally, they weren't in a practice room or stressing over an evaluation. This was pure enjoyment and as long as the crowd loved it, she loved it too. Just when it seemed like the song was slowing down, it picked up pace and her body just moved. Yubin paid little attention to her hair flying everywhere and even mouthed the lyrics, smiling inside when a straw piece landed in her mouth.
They moved into a split, but the floor work wasn't finished just yet as they kicked out their legs and came back up, back's facing the crowd as they shook their hips a few more times.
With one final leg movement, they moved to get into their final pose. A sexy smirk was on her face as she bent down low the ground and shook her shoulders a few times before the song ended.
Soundbox Studio’s Charity Event; Soundbox Female Staff; 2 On
The next dance that took place was one that featured all of soundbox female staff. Once she finished changing, with a bit of time to spare, she took a few breaths and made her way onto the stage once more. Just time, it was just more than her and one other person. Without missing a beat, she quickly got into place and waited for the music to start.
As soon as the beat dropped, they moved and she was even amazed herself as how smooth they managed to be. But it took the lyrics to come on before they started to really dance, hitting every beat in the song with a sharpness and ease. She moved with just as much sass and smoothness the song had, a slight smirk on her face.
It was the small details that matted, like moving their fingers in a down motion following the lyrics. Easily they moved places and she grinned to herself. In the end that's what it was about when it came to dancing for her, all you had to do was move and have fun. And she did, soundbox was important to her. It was one of the few places she could go when she was on lock down, so she wanted to show everything she could for soundbox.
Slowly they moved to the beg, as if taunting the crowd before the group when back into the hard hitting moves, it only last for a second before they turned, showing the audience their backs as the music faded out.
Apparently this stage couldn't see enough of her but Yubin didn't mind one bit, the next song featured her own class, acro-dance. Honestly, she was surprised that students signed up for this. Dancing could be hard already but this was dangerous. If anything went wrong someone could be hurt, so she was even more careful with the moves they would do.
With the lights off, she moved onto the stage with her students all paired up, and she could thank her friend Niro for joining her on stage as she partner. Once she was sure everyone was spread out and had enough room, the music came and she changed with it.
The girls started off on the ground as the boys went into an aerial, then they made their way over and that's when the dance really started. In a second, they were falling into the arms of their partners before being picked up and moved a little. The boys arms went around their waste and were pushed off before being lifted into a circle, their legs on a v shape so they could have footing once they touched the ground.
As the boys moved over a little, they ran into their arms and were lifted into in the air, in a straight line, her head dangled a few inches from the floor. It was just a second before they being lifted in the air, their legs spread as the boys spun them around. Slowly, they came down until they were touching the floor once more.
From the moment the chorus kicked in their wasn't a moment for rest. One second they were spinning and being lifted until they laid on the floor and again girl girls were in the air until everyone was on the ground and did aerial's away from each other.
Then came time for the most dangerous move for this class. The girls were lifted but not given much space as they lifted in a small circle, still being held on the arms by the boys. With one more lift, and a pose in the air, they came to the point were all boys set the girls down and walked off stage, leaving only the females as they lights and music dimmed.
In that moment, Yubin couldn't have been more proud of her class. Not only did they have the chemistry she wanted, they were safe and no one made a mistake. It showed her -and everyone- that these kids took their class serious and understood just how much went into performing acro-dance pieces. One wrong move could be the end of their dancing, it was important to pay attention and listen and this showed they pulled it off without a hitch.
Soundbox Studios Charity Event; Acro-Dance; Love Me Like You Do ft Yubin & Jazz ( @rkjazzeun )
This was it, her first performance of the night. And it was one she was most excited for, only because a dance of his scale was normally done with a female and male partner but she wanted to show that she and her top student could do it as well. When she first created the class, Jazz had been one of her first students and she had come the furthest.
As the lights dimmed both of them took the stage and sat back to back. She gave herself a little fighting and bent her head down. Just as the music started, the lights came up and she slowly moved her head up. It was all about timing and they moved in sync, she didn't have to worry or think about it to hard, this was their performance.
You're the light, you're the night
You're the color of my blood
You're the cure, you're the pain
You're the only thing I wanna touch
Never knew that it could mean so much, so much
She moved and hit her own aerial before re-connecting with her dance partner. This routine had a lot of lifts and movements that could be dangerous if both dancers weren't on the same page. Using all of her strength, she picked Jazz up and swung her around her body until the other was in front of her. In the background, the lyrics of the song showed in Korean, just so everyone would be able to better understand and get a feel for the song.
You're the fear, I don't care
Cause I've never been so high
Follow me to the dark
Let me take you past our satellites
You can see the world you brought to life, to life
Then she was picking Jazz up, moving in a small circle as she twisted the other's body around. It didn't take long before she lifting her again. And once more she was twisting the other, until Jazz came to land on her legs.
So love me like you do, la-la-love me like you do
Love me like you do, la-la-love me like you do
Touch me like you do, ta-ta-touch me like you do
What are you waiting for?
There was a reason her most trusted student was doing this, and she was fine with it. So far it had been perfect and she wanted it to countine that way. Her focus was on the dance and that paid off. It was all about team work in the end, especially as she twisted the around her own body
Love me like you do, la-la-love me like you do (like you do)
Love me like you do, la-la-love me like you do
Touch me like you do, ta-ta-touch me like you do
What are you waiting for?
Just as the chorus kicked in and she held Jazz up, she dropped her down only to catch her as they went into other pose. What she loved most of all was the fact, they were two girls but they still gave off the inmate feeling of the song. She could see that their hard work paid off as stared each other in the eyes and parted to do another move. All the time, the focus was on each other and bringing the piece alive.
And again Jazz was in the air but she was right there to catch her and cradle her as they came down into another pose. For a while Jazz was still as she moved around but quickly, she took her place on the floor as the other walked over her body. It was a quick move but dangerous, Jazz's feet were placed around her head and she held them as the other slowly bent forward, causing Yubin to move her body up just a bit more to make sure she didn't fall.
Did she hear a faint gasp? When they came back up and got into position, she held the other's legs as she swung her around.
What are you waiting for?
Just as the song hit that line, she swung the other up and held in her in the air with one hand, while Jazz held onto the back of her neck for support. Then she was dropped, rolling back into Yubin's arms.
Once again he held her up and moved her down, their bodies connected and then they slowly started to walk away from each other with one last look back before each walked off the stage, going their own separate ways.
Christmas falls on a Friday and Minji had decided on taking the long weekend off to spend quality time with her family. As such, she decided to mail her gifts instead of giving them personally since she was not sure when all the dancers would meet again.
Each package contains a present Minji personally chose for each one of them along with a card [ ♡ ] attached.
aronrk [ ♡ ]
Hello Aron! It's been a while since I've seen you and I hope you're taking care of yourself well. Here's a gift for you, to keep you warm during this cold season...and possibly hungry when you stare at yourself in the mirror. Heh. Merry Christmas~ Hope to catch you in class soon.
Love,
Minji
rkhyunakim [ ♡ ]
Dear Hyuna, thank you for being a great teacher. It's an honor to be one of your students, I have learnt so much from you. I know you're busy but please take care of yourself! Your health is the most important. Keep warm in this cold season and try to get loads of rest. Merry Christmas~ I hope to see you again in class soon.
Love,
Minji
rkhyeri [ ♡ ]
Hi Hyeri, here's a small (and yummy looking) gift for you to keep your feet warm~ I hope you like it. Don't stare at your feet too much when you wear them or you'll get hungry. Merry Christmas and have a great new year. May your 2016 be filled with happiness and success! I missed you guys a lot. See you in class soon!
Love,
Minji
rkohsehun [ ♡ ]
Manly noodle~ Thank you for being a great dance partner, dancing with you is always fun. I hope you're not sick of me just yet because... I still might want to partner with you for future dance covers. I'll try not to tease you too much. :p I hope you like the hoodie, you can truly be a noodle now. Have a great Christmas and New Year!
