[Press Release]“I keep getting on stage because of that excitement.” – Hip-hop Dancer Mini

Mini, a hip-hop dancer, was once preparing for a college entrance exam in dance. Everything changed when she stumbled upon a freestyle street performance in Daegu. 

That one moment shifted her entire direction. The street became her school, and after representing Korea as the 2012 Dance Alive Hip-hop National Team, winning the Juste Debout Korea representative qualifier, and stepping onto stages around the world, 

she became who she is today. When asked why she still chooses the stage, she answers without hesitation: “Because it excites me. That’s why I keep dancing.” Choosing sensation over outcome and the moment over perfection, Mini continues to prove herself through dance today.

Please introduce yourself.

Hello! I’m Mini, a hip-hop dancer who loves the color pink!

You’ve built an impressive career—2012 Dance Alive Hip-hop National Representative, 2013 Juste Debout Korea Representative, 2015 The Selection Singapore Winner, and many more. When did “Dancer Mini” begin? What triggered it?

I was preparing for a college dance entrance exam back in school. But in my senior year, I happened to pass by a street performance called “Daegu Dance Scene.” I was drawn to how the dancers moved freely to the music, completely immersed in freestyle. I fell in love at first sight. So I quit preparing for the entrance exam, gave up college, and jumped straight into hip-hop dancing.

You’ve stayed at the top of the scene for a long time. What keeps you going on stage?

I’ve been on so many stages, but when I think about why I keep going back, it’s definitely the excitement. I used to get really nervous before battle prelims—shaking hands, getting emotional, the whole thing. But even now, I still feel excited and happy.

Knowing there are judges who will watch my dance, dancers who will evaluate me, and an audience willing to witness me—whether I do well or not—that in itself brings me happiness. Being able to feel that excitement all the time makes this the best job for me.

And I believe there’s no end or right answer in art. I still feel like I have more to learn, so I keep practicing consistently.

I value the present the most. Instead of being tied to difficult memories or achievements from the past, I want to live and move through the moment. More than results and records, I want to fill this moment well and naturally meet the future that comes.

What is the message you want to convey through your dance?

My answer changes as I grow, but right now, it’s “feeling.”
Just like singers and actors express emotion genuinely, dancers express emotion through the body. So I believe the music comes first. Feeling the music fully and expressing it through movement—that’s what matters most. Turning what you hear into something you can see, and sharing that emotion with others—that’s the message I want to convey through dance.

What has been your most memorable moment on stage?

Every joyful stage remains with me. Being able to dance in front of an audience is always a happy moment.

But I think the stages I regret stay with me longer. Because those moments make me reflect on my mindset, my dance, everything—and remind me not to repeat the same mistakes.

What trend do you feel most strongly in today’s hip-hop dance scene?

Everyone is so good these days. The younger generation dancers are incredible. I think they are the trend. Their courage to challenge themselves without hesitation inspires me and makes me reflect on myself too. If I had to describe the trend in words: boldness, challenge, and spirit.

You actively communicate through social media. What do you value most there?

These days, I want to show who I am. Since I’m a dancer, I mostly share dance moments. Honestly, I don’t love every video I post. I used to delete videos because I didn’t like them or because I compared myself to others.

But now I think even those moments are part of me. Every stage I pass through—the struggles, the progress—makes me who I am. Instead of posting for others’ approval, I think of it as documenting my own life. SNS is just a space where I save parts of my journey.

What does “an influential creator” mean to you?

Someone who gives inspiration. A piece of writing, a video, or a photo can give someone strength or comfort. Career and achievements can be influence, but I think true influence is when someone sees you and starts to think again, reflect on themselves, and move. A single movement can spark bigger movement—that’s real influence.

Any new fields you want to try or brands you’d like to collaborate with?

Honestly, I’m open to any brand (laughs). I usually wear hip-hop based streetwear like Noname, Adidas, or MLB. I’d love to collaborate with more clothing brands in the future.

Lastly, any advice for younger dancers dreaming of the stage?

With social media, it’s so easy to see other people’s lives. And that can make you feel small. I hope you stop comparing. You are already valuable and amazing.

If you don’t love your dance, others won’t love it either. For the sake of your journey, your family, your colleagues, and the people who support you, invest more time in taking care of yourself than comparing yourself to others.

Love your own process. That love will show in your dance.