K-pop takes center stage at blogger festival

However, commitment is still important for dance cover teams to maintain their tight-knit cohesion. To do that, they typically designate a "leader" who coordinates the group and ensures the smooth execution of the dance cover.

Song believes that an effective leader should be accountable for the team and capable of managing all organizational aspects: from scheduling practices and booking rehearsal spaces to leading practices, making final decisions, and registering for events.

Qian recalled an experience when she joined a team, and only four out of eight members showed up for the first practice because the leader failed to coordinate and communicate effectively. It also became apparent that the leader wasn't familiar with the choreography and couldn't lead the dance. As a result, despite enduring three practices and facing various issues, they never succeeded in filming the cover.

"For a leader, it's crucial to follow through from selecting team members to producing the final product. Yes, we're doing it for enjoyment, but it's also a commitment," Qian stressed.

In the K-pop community, fans frequently share their dance cover videos online, while offline meetups often feature performances and random play dances. The former showcases complete dance covers, while the latter involves impromptu flash mobs during choruses.

Song appreciates the satisfaction of creating a well-filmed and edited video but also finds live performances to have a unique charm.

"For starters, there's the live audience cheering and applauding. More importantly, unlike filming a cover, performing live is a one-take affair. It pushes you to give your best and be fully present in the moment," she said.

Qian once entertained the idea of becoming an idol herself, although she hasn't had the chance to pursue that dream yet.

"I see every performance as an opportunity to gain more experience and refine my skills. If the right time comes one day, I'll definitely seize it."

For Song, this was her third time attending a Sohu event. Last November, she and her team received an award at the Sohu Dance Festival. "It was a great honor to see our hard work and video being recognized and praised by so many people," she reminisced.

Recognition and personal growth are indeed significant rewards for these K-pop enthusiasts, but so is friendship.

For instance, Song became roommates with one of her crew members, while Dong formed 90 percent of her friendships through dancing. Qian also celebrated her last birthday with friends she often dances with.

For most cover dancers, this hobby has become an integral part of their lives, and they approach it with great dedication.

"Dancing combines the idol culture I adore, my fitness routine, self-improvement, and social interactions. I can't imagine replacing it with anything else," Dong affirmed.