‘Street woman fighter’ is a Korean program that focuses on creating a respectful environment. This presented dance not just as a performance, but as a social message and expression of identity. It also contributed to the popularization of dance. This article examines how the Street woman fighter changes the perception of dancers and aims to highlight the reality and challenges faced by university dancers through an interview.

 Recently, the successful conclusion of ‘World of Street woman fighter’ has also attracted the attention of many viewers, so it introduces the Mega Crew performance. Motiv Crew from the United States expressed their identity during the Fragmentation Festival as a stage language under the title ‘WE THE PEOPLE’. They received an evaluation that visualizes diversity and conflict through strong contrasts and symbolic movements, revealing national identity. Mega Crew intensely conveyed the public cultural identity and social message that each crew wanted to deliver. The popularization of dance culture led to a direct change in the social status and professional worth of dancers. Before broadcasting, being a dancer was seen as unstable, with financial difficulties. However, after airing, dancers’ financial condition and social treatment improved significantly. They also gained fandoms and various opportunities, such as broadcasting appearances. Plus, these changes had a significant impact on boosting their professional pride.                                                    

Interview

Q1. Nice to meet you. Thank you for accepting this interview. Could you briefly introduce yourself?

A1. Hello, my name is Seoyeon Koh, a sophomore majoring in International Studies at Kyonggi University. I am also a dancer, with Dancehall as my main genre.                       

Q2. Why did you start dancing?

A2. Before elementary school, my mom worried because I didn’t react to music in karaoke, so she suggested I learn dancesport. I enjoyed performing and started dancing seriously in 8th grade.

Q3. What is your most memorable performance?

A3. The last regular showcase during my 2nd year of high school is the most unforgettable. After deciding not to attend an arts university, my teachers, family, and friends who opposed me all came to watch, and the fact that it was my last performance left a stronger feeling of regret.

Q4. How do you balance studying and dancing as a university student?

A4. Balancing studying, part-time jobs, practice, and performances is physically exhausting and stressful due to comparison with others. I also feel lonely, but doing what I love is my greatest comfort.
                                                             

Q5. How has the SWF affected your dance life or dancers in general?

A5. Before the SWF, it was hard to consider dancing as a proper job, but after it aired, dance started to be recognized as both a profession and a cultural field, and it became easier to explain the genre to others.

Q6. What does it mean to live as a dancer in Korean society?

A6. Dance is often undervalued in society, due to the freelance work style and unstable income, leading many people to give up. It requires luck and talent, and there is constant pressure to prove oneself as a result. However, to me dance is more than just a job; I believe maintaining my passion is more important than making money.