Hyuk of VIXX dropped a new dance video earlier this week. It is the first release of a series of videos from VIXX's maknae. This particular video showcases Hyuk’s dynamic dancing ability. It immediately shot to the top of my performance playlist because it includes the choreographer in the video!
Ragi, a dancer and choreographer with Prepix Studio, performs his own choreography alongside Hyuk in this video. It is a rare treat to watch a choreographer dance with the person for whom the piece was designed (if that was the case). Hyuk could have easily made this video without Ragi, but the decision to include him signifies a mutual respect between the two. I always applaud those who shine a light on the many artists behind the idols.
Watching this video also gives the viewer an idea of how much choreography can be manipulated by the dancer. Ragi is shorter than Hyuk, so he has more grounded movements, meaning he keeps his center of gravity low, with his knees bent and weight centered. This allows his moves to have more power. Hyuk on the other hand, uses his height differently. Because of his long limbs, Hyuk naturally makes his movements larger, and dances farther away from his body, so to speak. In this way, Hyuk makes the choreo look lighter and more flowy.
As the creator, Ragi has the benefit of being more comfortable with this piece. He performs this dance, using not only his body, but his facial expressions. Hyuk, perhaps due to the fact that this was a dance practice, keeps his face stoic. It's interesting because we have Ragi on one hand, who dances with small, powerful movements, but connects more to the audience with his facial expressions. On the other hand, we have Hyuk, who is capable of making his movements large and noticeable, but attempts little facial performance. It's a study in how two dancers can take the same choreography and make it unique to their own style.
Either way, both dancers are very talented and are clearly giving their all in this (way too short) video.
I can’t wait to see what Hyuk has got in store for us next!