In the world of K-pop, dance is more than choreography – it is storytelling in motion. At the heart of this cultural wave is Joong Park, a choreographer and instructor whose passion and precision have captivated dancers around the world. Joong is a Korean British instructor and choreographer at ARC Dance Studio, London's K-pop focused dance studio, with 10 years of experience. Joong has led numerous classes and workshops, fostering a growing appreciation for Korean dance culture in the UK. Known for his engaging teaching style and understanding of rhythm, Joong has helped shape a new generation of performers while building cultural bridges through movement. This interview offers a unique opportunity to delve into Joong's journey, his contributions to the dance community and the broader impact of K-pop's international rise.
The following are excerpts from an email interview with him from May 23-30.
Can you tell us how your journey with dance and choreography began?
I started dancing by learning K-pop and Michael Jackson’s moves as a hobby and for fun. During my university days, I joined a London street dance crew and took dance more seriously from then. I always wanted to do choreography when I was younger, but I decided to train more to get more knowledge in dance before doing this, I did a small few choreographies in the beginning just to see how I do. Choreography started properly when one of my friends asked me to do a collaboration and teach a class with him. Since then, I started being more creative.
What makes a dancer stand out to you—not just technically, but artistically?
To me the dancer stands out on how they express the movement of a choreography, it could be facial expression, or dynamic/ texture choices or how much they are in the zone of the performance like nothing matters beside dance in this moment.
What is your creative process when choreographing a new routine?
Do you prioritize musicality, emotion, or storytelling?
It depends on which song I’m choreographing but I usually always think what vibe I’m going for. I like thinking about musicality but sometimes it's good to enjoy the emotion of the song too.
As a dancer and educator, how do you stay inspired and continue developing your craft?
I listen to a lot of music, or I take dance classes or have a dance session with my friends. Freestyle helps a lot as well to learn about me as a dancer. But I always have a mindset of needing to improve, grow and evolve my craft too. Just like fashion and music, dance moves or trends evolve as well through time.
Do you have any advice for young dancers who want to pursue choreography professionally?
My advice is, if you want to make a choreography, you can start if you feel ready to do it and always share it and make your friends learn it too, it will help you know the dance moves more because you have to teach it to them. Like learning how to count or telling them what expression you want. If you are stuck on making a choreography, then back to taking dance choreography or foundation classes depending which style you are in. Learn how to freestyle as well.
His thoughtful approach to teaching and choreography not only celebrates the power of movement but also deepens appreciation for Korean culture across continents. As the influence of K-pop dance grows, Joong remains a key figure guiding its expansion with artistry and heart.
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