2022 Kpop Awards: Best Choreography - Boy and Girl Groups
Choreography Picks 2022
Welcome back to the wacky world of my favorite choreographies! (Which has very little cross-over with my top 50 songs this year.) This has been a weird year for me musically and that’s reflected in my favorite choreography list as well. The things I enjoyed sometimes reflect my dance background, but…don’t count on that being the case.
Oh…and fair warning, I’m cheating again this year. Haha. A couple groups are going to get more than one choreography mentioned.
Girl Groups
10. Rocket Punch “Flash”
Timing…it matters. In this case, they did a great job of being metronome perfect without heading into the popping style of dance. There is subtlety and beauty while matching the tick tick in the background music that makes you think of a photographic flash sound. Clever choreography, excellent execution, and pretty to watch…I’m a happy girl.
9. Itzy “Boys Like You”
Along with finding the song satisfying, the dance makes me happy to both watch and perform. There’s nothing revolutionary here, but it’s a blast and that’s plenty.
*As a note, learning the “Sneakers” choreography was one the the funniest things I did for myself this year. I cannot begin to tell you how annoying my kids find it when I do that every time we have to leave the house. Hahaha*
8. Mamamoo “Illella”
This choreography is deceptively difficult. While it feels casual and loose, the details and timing are essential to get right or the whole thing looks awkward and forced. That said, if you’re willing to work at it a bit, this one is also a blast to do.
7. Kwon Eunbi “Underwater”
I love good storytelling, and this choreography is an excellent example of that. The choreography reflects water; it reflects swimming; it shows you the title of the song without words. Beautifully done.
6. StayC “RUN2U” and “Beautiful Monster”
I’ve come to expect good things from StayC, both in their music and choreography. They, like WekiMeki, are consistent in putting out fun and interesting choreographies without giving up on difficult moves or resorting to gimmicks. Their point moves are varied and memorable (even if they aren’t appreciated by my kids who are harsh about the beautiful monster ‘monster hands’). They are able to change tempo (run2u), create unique formations (beautiful monster) and keep the eye engaged in every choreography. Very impressive.
5. Purple Kiss “Pretty Psycho” and “Nerdy”
Both these choreographies are labeled in my head as ‘sassy’ adjusted to the genre. So, creepy sassy for pretty psycho. There’s just so much…attitude. I love it. They have magnificent transitions both from move to move and from formation to formation and some truly strange moves to create the mood. (I’m looking at you, weird half lifted leg at 0:31 in pretty psycho)
4. Choi Yoojung “Sunflower”
I was waiting, waiting for a WekiMeki comeback and got a solo debut instead. It didn’t change the quality of the dance in any way, so here she is. Yoojung is an effortless dancer…meaning everything she does looks effortless, even when it is very definitely not. That’s evident in the dance practice when she looks like she’s taking a walk in the park while her dancers are dancing like rent is due. But what I like best about this is the formations, starting from the opening ‘house’ pose. This little nostalgic hip-hop, retro song was a treat.
3. Youha “Last Dance”
Modern dance choreography for a k-pop song. Yes! The emotions evoked here are wonderfully rich. Highly, highly recommend this one.
2. Taeyeon “INVU”
Everyone knows SHINee’s Taemin for his unique choreography and style…he SLAYS, but it never totally works for me. It’s almost too much. This choreography is a toned down, definitely feminine version of that style and I am all for it. The control and angles are a pleasure to watch and not easy.
1. Viviz “Bop Bop”
…SinB’s hips. That’s the whole reason for this ranking. I was so impressed! In the MV, the timestamps for what I’m talking about are at 1:10-1:14, 2:13-2:16, and 3:14-3:16. SinB is wearing beads at the bottom of her skirt and they make PERFECT circles as she rotates her hips. PERFECT! The body control. *Chef’s kiss*
***Honorable Mention***
IVE- “After Like” and *Love Dive*
This is another group that I’m coming to expect unexpected choreography from. They have a definite style, but they aren’t limited by it and I always look forward to their dance practices.
The Wild K.A.R.D. Category -aka Co-ed Groups.
KARD- Ring the Alarm
Don’t let the fact that they’re the only ones on this list fool you into thinking that this wasn’t a great choreography. For a song and dance that’s basically a party, there is a lot of detail. Hand placement, flexed foot vs pointed foot, and formation change timing are all worth noting.
Boy Groups
10. Seventeen “Darl+ing”, “World”, and “Hot”
Seventeen didn’t always hit right for me musically this year, but they killed it on choreography. World was old kpop fun. Hot was … sexy fun. I didn’t find it sexy, but I know that was the intent and I was all for the result. Darl+ing was artistic fun. They brought it all. Excellent work this year!
9. Ten “Birthday”
This dance style is something I consistently enjoy. There is a touch of modern in this dance that tells a story (and we all know I’m a sucker for a story). On top of that, Ten did a fantastic job with the dancing. There are some flashy moves that you absolutely can’t miss (laying-down-jump, face down-face up turn - so good!, back bend), but I encourage you to check out his detail work. Pick a joint (knee, elbow, wrist, finger) and watch the dance practice focused on only that. His speed and precision is beautiful.
8. DKZ “Cupid”
This choreography felt a little like older generations of kpop’s choreography, but updated with some hip hop flare here and there. At times it's got the ‘knife dance’ feel and at others everyone gets to hop around or pose. Overall, it's playful and powerful combined in a way I found pleasing. Also, I know I mentioned this with Oneus last year, but these guys pull it off a bit in their dance practice too…perfectly timed stomps, love that sound in a dance practice!
7. E’LAST “Creature”
There isn’t a move in this choreography that doesn’t fit the concept. Even the transitions are creature-esque. The opening sequence will show you what to expect and they don’t disappoint. Add to that a commitment from the E’LAST members to the concept and I was sold.
6. Oneus “Same Scent”
At this point, no one should be surprised by this entry. Oneus is here every year. Their choreography always has something fun to watch. In this case, I love that the chorus choreography is synced to the vocal lines, making for some interesting pauses and flow. The verses are all different and beautifully executed. The dance practice has that satisfyingly timed stomping here too, where it sounds like only one foot when it's really all of them.
5. TRENDZ “Villain”
Props are always a toughie in dance. It’s not always enough to make my top 10 though. In this case, it does. Clever, clever boys. Elastic-y ribbons are wound around the hands (reminding me of Cross Gene “Touch It”...miss that group) until they are needed and then ALL the things happen. They play with the elastic in a myriad of ways, from looking caged to somehow (velcro maybe?) attaching it to their ankles for a series of moves.
4. B.I x Soulja Boy “BTBT”
I’ll be honest, I almost missed this song completely. Really glad I didn’t though. This choreography is completely groove centered, which is unusual, but he pulls it off beautifully, often out-grooving the dancers with him with stage presence alone. The song is easy listening and the dance is easy watching…unless you’re watching me try it. In that case it’s a laugh a minute. Lesson learned: ballroom background looks strange in groove choreography.
3. ASTRO “Candy Sugar Pop”
Okay…don’t start thinking I’m insane….Rocky’s feet…that’s how this song got on my list. Like SinB’s hips, Rocky’s feet are a masterful example of dance skill. His feet have better flow than some people’s whole body. His toe points have an attitude. His angles are beautiful. I know. I know. I sound crazy. But trust me. The man is incredible.
2. MCND “W.A.T1”
I find this captivating. I love, love LOVE the slow, flowing hip roll turns in the chorus directly followed by the fast, hard-hitting “running” motions. There is something so elegant and yet so insecure about it all.
1. Cravity “Party Rock”
Whhhheeeeee! The name says it. This is a party and you’re all invited! *Air guitar solo!*
***Honorable Mention***
Ateez “Cyberpunk”
We saw this in concert…and according to Steven, he was able to see my soul leave my body. I was frozen for half the song in awed shock. San…that man is trying to give people heart attacks…and I think he has a decent shot at it.
