As the lead dancer of the international hit band BTS, Jimin has had some amazing performances on stage. Dubbed a dance prodigy by ARMY, he is classically trained in contemporary dance and popping and locking. Over the past 10 years as a performer, this “stage genius” has impressed fans worldwide with his dance skills. His versatility has stunned the world time and time again, paired with his passion and hard work for the art of dance. Here are our picks for Jimin’s top 7 greatest moments of dance!
1. Melon Music Awards 2019 – I Need U Solo Stage
This solo stage for the “Dionysus” intro at the 2019 Melon Music Awards highlights Jimin’s skill in contemporary dance the most. From his angelic stage presence to his elegant tumbling, this dance to a haunting orchestral version of “I Need U” is the perfect showcase for Jimin’s talents. Using a white cloth as a prop, Jimin flies across the stage in graceful leaps and weightless steps. Even Jimin himself views this performance as one of his most legendary, as he stated on Suchwita!
2. Melon Music Awards 2018 – “Idol” Fan Dance
Taking pride in his Korean roots at the 2018 Melon Music Awards, Jimin, alongside bandmates J-Hope and Jungkook, showcased the various traditional dances of Korea. The fan dance Jimin performed here is called Buchaechum (부채춤) which was created in 1958 by Kim Baek-Bong. Buchaechum takes elements of traditional shaman dances and folk dances from the Joseon era. Jimin’s Buchaechum helped raise awareness of Korean cultural arts throughout the world while offering a new modern interpretation of the dance. Jimin was even awarded a Plaque of Appreciation by the Kim Baek Bong Fan Dance Conservation Society for its part in displaying this traditional fan dance.
3. MAMA 2016 – Boy Meets Evil
Although Jimin’s classical training was in contemporary dance, he also learned popping and locking. His 2016 MAMA stage with J-Hope is a great example of his technique mastery. Jimin hits every beat with his body in perfect synchronization with J-Hope, wearing a blindfold no less! This particular dance shows off his core strength and control over his body. Each move is clean and precise while remaining fluid and connected. “Boy Meets Evil” at MAMA 2016 remains one of Jimin’s most iconic performances to this day.
4. 3:33 “Fire” Dance
JIMIN CENTER! Beginning at 3:33 in the “Fire” music video (hence the name), Jimin shows off his incredible footwork skills and power. Not many people can master the incredibly complex footwork, but Jimin executes it perfectly. His coordination shines through in this dance break, while his smoldering expressions highlight the intensity of the song. The 3:33 Dance went viral as the ultimate killing part of the song.
5. Jimin and Taemin’s SHOWDOWN
Alongside his fellow dance legend and friend SHINee’s Taemin, Jimin destroys the stage by exhibiting his versatility as a dancer. The choreography for his solo track off of BTS’s ‘Wings’ album, “Lie”, is sultry and elegant with sharp executions of his movements. This transitions into the final “Showdown” with Taemin, where they interlock the fluid movements of contemporary dance with popping and locking and street dance elements. While these dance styles sound like they shouldn’t flow well together, Jimin is able to combine them to create his own unique style of dance.
6. Black Swan
Jimin undisputedly owned “Black Swan” in both concept and dance. Black Swan symbolizes the fear artists have of suddenly losing passion for their craft; suddenly, their heart fails to quicken when they hear music, and their feet are paralyzed against the urge to dance. It is based on the 2010 movie Black Swan, which follows a ballerina who is driven to madness, and later death, because of her obsession to be the best. Jimin’s skill in contemporary dance is put in the spotlight in both the official group choreography, as well as his solo choreography for the official music video. Featuring his flexibility, core strength, and beautiful lines, the choreography Jimin showcases for “Black Swan” is incredibly difficult. However, his tenacity for dance pays off as he embodies the black swan in every dramatic, lithe movement.
7. Jimin, the Perfect Man
Our final pick for Jimin’s greatest dance moments is his performance in BTS’s cover of SHINHWA’s “Perfect Man”. Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without the stage that made Jimin go viral. In one of his most viral moments, he exudes charisma onstage with his sharp coordination and powerful expressions. His eye-catching stage presence stands out as he sheds his jacket and commands the stage. Jimin has always excelled in stage presence and charisma, which flawlessly rounds out his impeccable skills in dance.
Were there any Jimin dance moments that you thought should be on the list? Let us know on our Twitter and Instagram!
And remember to show Jimin so much love and support on his Instagram as well!
