7 K-Pop Idols With A Classical Dance Background

Here are 7 K-Pop idols who have a background in classical dance.

Dyllan Mykel, Kpopmap Editor
3 min to read · Published : Aug 12, 2022

7 K-Pop Idols With A Classical Dance Background

ARENA HOMME+ / JYP Entertainment / SOURCE MUSIC

Before K-Pop idols are able to achieve their dreams and stand on stage, they must first spend countless hours training. From vocal exercises, dance practices, and even acting lessons, idols go through a lot in order to prepare for their debut. Then, there are some idols who look like naturals on stage, with twists and turns that hint at their experience in classical dance.

As many K-Pop choreographies include hip-hop and pop influences, these classically trained idols stand out even further with their light footwork. Their movements have an added element that enhance their already captivating stage performances. Even prior to making a debut, these idols shined brightly — just on a different kind of stage.

Now, let's take a look at some of these K-Pop idols with a background in classical dance.

1. ASTRO's Rocky

Referred to as the "Dancing Machine" by his members and fans alike, Rocky is a dancer that knows no bounds. One moment, he is able to crush it with powerful dance moves, next, he can be seen gracefully floating across the stage. Rocky has taken classes for hip-hop, dance sport, and ballet due to his love for dancing. Through ballet, he was able to learn how to turn, which became one of his biggest strengths. Rocky's turns are most definitely eye-catching and show his many hours of hard work.

2. TWICE's Mina

Before rising to worldwide fame as a member of the beloved girl group TWICE, Mina spent 11 years learning ballet. Despite becoming an idol and spending long hours in the training room and on stage, Mina's skills have remained intact. On many occasions, she's been asked to show off her ballet skills, whether it's on variety shows, stage performances, or even a collaboration with other artists. With her grace and elegance while dancing, Mina definitely lives up to her nickname as "Black Swan".

3. NCT's WinWin

Prior to becoming a well-known K-Pop idol, WinWin spent many years at the elite Beijing Dance Academy. There, he trained in classical Chinese dance and ranked first among the students in his department. WinWin's hard work and dancing proficiency shows in his enchanting dance lines and jaw dropping dance breaks. Surely, if he did not become an idol, WinWin would have became a world-renowned professional dancer and fans would fall for his charms anyways.

4. EVERGLOW's YiRen

YiRen is known for her time on Mnet's 'Produce 48' and now as a member of EVERGLOW, gaining much love and attention for her outstanding visuals. Despite her gorgeous looks, she has proven that she's the total package with skills and an aura that captivates fan's hearts. This comes as no surprise as even before her time as an idol, YiRen specialized in traditional Chinese dance, even winning first place at a 2016 Chinese dance competition. Those judges made the right call, as it has become obvious that YiRen is overflowing with talent and charm.

5. EXO's Kai

Kai is a worldwide superstar — and for good reason. The idol star spent many hours training extensively in a wide array of dance styles. He's covered jazz, hip-hop, and ballet and his mastery of these genres show themselves in his spectacular dancing. Kai is able to combine all of these styles into one, showcasing graceful leaps and hard-hitting power moves in one routine.

6. LE SSERAFIM's Kazuha

Kazuha is the youngest and most recently debuted on this list, yet despite her age, her ballet techniques are exquisite and top tier. Before joining LE SSERAFIM, she was a professional ballet dancer, training at the prestigious Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Russia and the Royal Ballet School in the UK. From her teaser trailer alone, one can see the immense amount of skill and elegance she exudes from just a few moves. Despite Kazuha the ballerina taking a break, we cannot wait to see what Kazuha the idol can do and how she incorporates her extraordinary ballet skills into future choreography.

7. BTS' Jimin

While BTS is known for their pop-centric and hip-hop infused performances, it comes as a treat whenever Jimin takes over the stage with his elegantly fluid dance moves. He has spent years training in various dance styles from ballet, contemporary, and modern dance. By adding the techniques learned from these dance styles, Jimin's performances become breathtaking and unforgettable. Jimin might be part of the maknae line, but he sheds that cute, adorable image through his dancing on stage.

Which of these amazing dancers captivated you the most? Do you know other idols with a background in classical dance? Let us know in the comments!

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7 K-Pop Idols With A Classical Dance Background

1. ASTRO's Rocky

2. TWICE's Mina

3. NCT's WinWin

4. EVERGLOW's YiRen

5. EXO's Kai

6. LE SSERAFIM's Kazuha

7. BTS' Jimin

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