Heading to the performance area at 6:30 in the morning wasn’t exactly thrilling. Checking in and practicing on an empty stomach only worsened my mood, and my outfit wasn’t doing me any favors either. 

I wore a black, waist-length shirt with gold threading, layered with a corset and a sleek black jacket. Everything was comfortable except the high heels. They added an extra layer of challenge to the performance. Yes, they elevated my outfit and gave me an air of confidence, but balancing on those narrow, pointed toes was quite demanding. 

Originally, we were scheduled to perform at 2:30 in the afternoon, but due to missing earlier acts, our time was pushed forward to 2pm. I can still recall the rush I felt stepping onto the stage, setting up our mics, and taking position for our first dance routine. 

The music started, the bass vibrating the floor, and before I knew it my body was moving automatically. All those hours of practice had engraved the choreography into my muscles. It felt incredible—definitely one of the best performances I’ve ever given. I was completely in the zone.

Our set flowed seamlessly from one song to the next. We kicked things off with +82 by Bad Villain, blending intense, theatrical moves with sharp, powerful choreography. Then came Forever by Baby Monster, a softer, cooler vibe where members danced and sang live. The mood quickly shifted with Supernatural by New Jeans, infusing the stage with high-energy hip-hop moves. And just as quickly, we dove into Chk Chk Boom by Stray Kids, a fast-paced, high-powered track that hyped up the crowd. We kept the momentum going with Crazy by Le Sserafim, a routine packed with intricate tutting and detailed movements. Finally, we ended strong with ABCD by Naeyeon—a full-group performance that brought all the dancers together for a final burst of energy.

The festival featured a variety of performances, from traditional dance to live singers and musicians. Backstage, the support was undeniable. Everyone knew the grind, the long hours in the practice room, and the shared passion for dance.

One of the coolest things about the stage was the giant screen behind us, projecting our performance with crystal-clear detail. It was surreal seeing ourselves magnified like that, making the whole experience even more intense.

Despite the early start and the little frustrations, the entire experience was well worth it. There was no medal nor formal recognition. Yet the adrenaline rush of performing and the support backstage reminded me just how much I love being on stage. Each performance, each song, felt like a moment where we could connect with the crowd and with each other as a team. It was a perfect blend of hard work, passion, and unforgettable memories, and I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything.