By Honorary Reporter Farah Mohamed Abdelmoaty Mohamed from Egypt

Photo and Video= Big Hit Entertainment

If you've followed K-pop super group BTS, you've seen its kinetic video for the song "On" featuring a super solo by a talented teen girl. But who is she and how did she get on the video?

She is Sienna Lalau, a 19-year-old choreographer originally from Hawaii who now lives in Los Angeles. She is also part of the famous Lab Creative Arts Studio.

When did you start dancing and how did you get into choreography?

I started dancing at 3 1/2 years old at my home studio in Hawaii as part of the Hypersquad Dance Company. I got into choreography when I was 10 through my church hip-hop dance team, Creative Arts Ministry, comprising high school and college students. At that time, I was the only kid on the team. They were looking for a choreographer and since I was the only one with years of dance experience, the director asked me to choreograph. I agreed to try and instantly fell in love with choreography.

Whom did you learn choreography from?
I'm so thankful to the many choreographers who taught me over the years at my original studio in Hawaii. At the time, the studio offered many styles and set classes based on age, so I'd take the junior-level classes. But I'd always sit and watch the senior-level classes, and was amazed at how students danced. I'd often be one of the last to leave the studio because I'd challenge myself to learn senior-level choreography while watching from outside of the studio. I discovered my own style by watching older dancers.

How did you get involved in choreographing a routine for BTS?

I submitted my choreography for the group's song "Dionysus." BTS loved it and used it for its comeback special and a recent tour. I previously sent submissions to K-pop acts and they incorporated some of my choreography, but this was the first time that all of my choreography was used. I was super excited because I've been a fan of K-pop music since age 11.

What initial ideas did you have for the routine, and what must you consider for a small dance group as opposed to a larger one? 

Most of the time, I get an idea of what people want, and this helps me brainstorm. But there are times where I have to create from scratch. To come up with ideas, I basically submerge myself into the song, listening to it over and over again, imagining what the singer is trying to express in the lyrics. This helps me to get a feel for and generate ideas. Once I create, I consider each dancer's strengths and capabilities.

When pressed for time, I need dancers who can quickly learn and execute the moves. Smaller groups are easier to work with because you can quickly see how to add or make changes on the spot. A larger group is more challenging because any changes must be considered in the context of how it affects the overall group, especially with formations and transitions.

What advice do you have for novices who think they cannot dance or people who want to make the leap from dancing to choreography?
My advice is to just start. Anyone can learn how to dance, but you must put in the time, dedication and work behind it. It's not going to happen overnight, but if you persist, you will get there. Find a dance studio nearby that offers the style you want and start taking classes. If no studio is near you or you cannot afford it, learn online by watching dance videos. There are many online tutorials for all types of dance.

chaey0726@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.