San Antonio Dance Crew Takes Third Place at Korean Festival in Houston
Sypher captivated the crowd and brought a zen energy to Houston’s dance competition. The event was hosted by the Korean-American Society of Houston and Soundbox Dance Studio. Tokyo X’s collaboration brought K-pop and J-pop dancers together at Discovery Green on October 12th. The competition attracted international judges from Japan, including Kiana Tangonan, Junyeop, and Janghyeon. Competitors were eager to become Tokyo X‘s champion and win $1,000. Seventeen dance groups competed, many of them from across Texas.
Throughout the day, visitors could explore the festival near the stage. Vendors tempted guests with Korean foods and drinks such as Tteokbokki, Korean corn dogs, and Matcha. Crowds relaxed on the grass with blankets, bringing kids and dogs. Sometimes, something in the crowd would catch my eye. I noticed Korean singers, people in Halloween costumes, and a Korean traditional buk line moving through the festival. There was never a dull moment. Dancers could even be seen performing K-pop routines, such as Touch, Like Jennie, and Idol, offstage while interacting with guests. One of my favorites would be walking together with Sypher, with audience members congratulating us and asking for photographs. Each interaction was kind and inspiring.
Near the stage, audience members could stand or relax on the grass, listening and watching the performers. Many of whom screamed their hearts out, especially for Hohyun, who hyped his upcoming music and later greeted fans during a special meet-and-greet on the festival grounds. He was kind and welcoming, which emphasized the sense of community already present. The dancers and organizers of the event fostered a sense of warmth, making it memorable for Houston’s diverse dance community. Sypher, especially, brought supportive energy, cheering from the sidelines for each team and hyping them up.
The award ceremony at the end of the event recognized Kiphop, an eighteen-year-old soloist and self-choreographer, for taking first place with fierce originality and strife. Second place went to WTP, another team from San Antonio, which brought characters from the beloved K-pop group Demon Hunters to life through performative dance storytelling. Third place was awarded to the San Antonio team, Sypher Dance Crew. Despite extensive competition from other talented groups, Sypher’s innovative choreography and powerful performance secured a rank. Opening with Witch and Idol, and ending with Jennie’s Zen, Sypher brought familiar choreography to the K-pop community with an energy of balanced chaos. Not to mention, the crew expressed their gratitude by taking a bow on stage, waving to the audience, and taking the time to speak with others and thank them for the opportunity. They looked forward to future competitions, hoping to continue pushing creative boundaries and representing San Antonio on the dance stage.
Sypher Team Member: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DQBRLJhDc6-/?igsh=ZTA0aWEzOTE1bXFq
Photos by: @shots.bycel
Written by Samantha Ysaguirre