Choreographer and dancer J Black has revealed an unusual request he received while creating the opening choreography for A2O LITE's debut song NEON. Unlike most idol groups that ask for easier dance moves, the rookie girl group's team reportedly wanted him to make the performance more difficult.
On October 16, YouTube channel Studio Wagle Wagle released a video featuring J Black and fellow dancer Mary discussing the choreography behind A2O LITE's debut performance.
J Black explained that he was responsible for creating the opening dance sequence of NEON, which features members Aiqing and Shiri performing together.
According to the choreographer, the experience was different from his previous projects with K-pop idols.
He explained that when he usually submits choreography drafts to entertainment agencies, the feedback often involves requests to simplify the dance moves.
J Black shared, "Usually, when I receive requests to choreograph for idols and send them a draft video, most of the feedback is to make it a little easier or lower the difficulty."
However, A2O LITE's team gave him the opposite instructions.
He revealed, "This time, it was the opposite. I sent them the draft, and they asked me to make it more difficult."
The unexpected request surprised him, but he welcomed the opportunity to create something more challenging.
J Black recalled thinking, "Is this really okay? From my perspective, I was excited."
He continued, "I can make it harder? Then I made it harder. I happily increased the difficulty."
The choreographer also shared his thoughts on how the K-pop industry has approached dance performances in recent years.
He explained that many entertainment companies prefer choreography that is easy to understand and follow because it allows fans to participate in dance challenges and helps songs gain attention on social media.
As a result, simple and memorable dance moves have become common in K-pop performances.
However, J Black believes A2O LITE's choreography takes a different approach by placing greater emphasis on technical difficulty.
He said watching the group's performance gave him the feeling that something was changing in the industry.
Rather than simply thinking the members were good dancers, he felt their performance could represent a shift from the established style of K-pop choreography.
His comments have drawn attention to the demanding opening sequence of NEON, particularly the two-member performance by Aiqing and Shiri.
A2O LITE is a new girl group under A2O Entertainment, led by former SM Entertainment producer Lee Soo Man.
The group recently made its debut with NEON, introducing its members and performance style to audiences.
With J Black revealing that the choreography was deliberately made more difficult at the company's request, A2O LITE's debut has highlighted an approach focused on challenging dance routines rather than easily copied choreography.
His behind-the-scenes story also offers a closer look at how the rookie group's team developed the opening performance of NEON, choosing to increase its difficulty instead of simplifying it for social media dance challenges.
