San Antonio Dance Team Shines in Houston K-pop/J-pop Competition
Tokyo X presents a collaboration with Soundbox Dance Studios, featuring a K-pop and J-pop dance competition for the first time. The event took place at the NRG Center in Houston, Texas, on June 15th and drew attention from across the globe as judges flew in from Japan. Dancers from various backgrounds are eligible to become Tokyo X’s first dance champion and win $1,000.
One of the teams that competed is the San Antonio Team, known as the Cypher Dance Crew. The crew consists of 24 members and is formidable, as they bring fierce originality, push creative boundaries, and dance with an energy like no other, incorporating styles from K-pop and J-pop.
My first introduction to the team was an unforgettable experience. The Leaders, Kisho and Adri, excluded warmth and inspiration from the moment the dancers stepped into the studio. We were instantly greeted with a warm embrace and reassured that the team could be a new home. They reassured us that they were genuinely pleased to see each dance member, going so far as to provide treats and water for the team occasionally.
The team typically begins with a group warm-up and then is given a select amount of time to stretch individually, targeting specific muscles. We occasionally chat amongst each other, checking in to see how others are doing or what the latest dance choreography is in the K-pop world. A few dancers will practice choreography, such as Gnarly, Like Jennie and Touch.
Another thing I adore about the team is everyone’s love for Asian cuisine and culture, including one member’s recent return from Japan, which has sparked a desire for us to learn more about her stories and the country. While staying together at the Airbnb, we even shared our love for Budak noodles and enjoyed a bowl together; then, we celebrated with more delicious cuisine after the competition.
Nonetheless, over the course of three months, the team trained, learning and rehearsing choreography to Tokyo Calling and Eazy, which consisted of a total of four minutes of choreography. During the competition, the team presented the choreography in Act II, but while we waited, we cheered and showed our support to the teams, which is a quality to admire. In the dance world, although you are competing to be the best, it’s refreshing and inspiring to uplift those around you and remember that we share a common goal: our love for dance.
The experience at the Tokyo Night Festival was not only a time for competition, but also a glimpse into the community, culture, and the boundless talent of the dancers competing. The Cypher Dance Crew exuded togetherness, all while bringing their A-game to the stage, a memory I’ll never forget.
Cypher’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cypher_dancecrew?igsh=a3I4OXh2Zjd3anY5
Cypher Team Member Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DLeCBeNohug/?igsh=MTNudGw2aHRrYm15cw==
YouTube K-pop/ J-pop Competition Video: https://youtu.be/1IlIpza-TRA?si=e-SP10pSGDSDZgdF
Written by Samantha Ysaguirre