#this choreo is really awesome

[the-wintry-mizzenmast]

When a dao isn't just a dao 笛飞声的刀不只是刀

A quick and dirty analysis of Di Feisheng's dao

Following up from my previous post speculating about Di Feisheng's dao 刀, I think the configuration of Di Feisheng's dao is quite clever and consistent with his character, despite looking like nonsense at first glance. I know more taiji and kung-fu 刀 dao forms than I do 劍 jian forms, and this is what I choose to do with my knowledge and time, I guess.

Before I launch into his dao in particular, I think it's important that you understand what a dao is, and how you are supposed to attack and defend with one.

When you say 刀 dao (in English, it's also been called a Chinese saber or broadsword), this is what it's supposed to look like (I've annotated the image below from the Wikipedia entry on dao). They are by definition single-edged, and the majority are slightly curved (though there are some variants such as the Nandao 南刀 which are straight). A dao should have a point, a sharp edge (in red), and a blunt edge (in blue). The blunt edge (short edge, or inner edge, since the thing is curved) is usually quite thick.

One of the main ways that a dao does damage is through slashing/chopping motions, either down, sideways, or upwards (which my sifu always called uppercuts). All upwards slashes with the dao require that you turn your wrist so that the sharp edge, which usually faces down, faces upward instead.

The other way that a dao does damage is via forward thrusts, where the point of the dao is supposed to pierce enemy flesh. The basic attacks I've mentioned above are in the beginning of this clip, and I've added text to the original video below to highlight what's what and what they're supposed to look like.

(n.b. I was just randomly searching for videos to show what I'm trying to describe, no endorsement intended).

One of the things you'll notice from the above video as well is that the master is putting his hand on the blunt edge. This helps stabilize and give more power to the dao through its various motions, and is a basic part of how dao forms are supposed to work.

The blunt edge is also important because it helps in defense. One of the cardinal rules of a dao is that when you are defending, the dao should be kept close to your body, with the blunt edge facing your body. This is what a basic block looks like:

Should you get hit, you can brace the blunt edge of the blade using a shoulder or upper arm. In certain positions you can also use your hand as a brace on the blunt edge to stop (or execute) a particularly strong attack.

These are the dao basics. Now you have enough background to know what makes Di Feisheng's dao so unusual: it is double-edged, and it has a blunt tip.

These two things must follow if you have a dao that has two edges and is blunt at the tip:

You are limited to slash and chop attacks as your main blade damage. Thrust attacks won't penetrate flesh unless you have a serious amount of qi behind it.

Your defense is limited, because you can't use your dao to defend in the usual way.

But wait, does Di Feisheng's dao really have two full edges?

If you're a details guy like me, and completely obsessed over Di Feisheng (guilty as charged), you'll notice that one the edges of his dao doesn't actually extend the full length of the blade:

From the way that light reflects off the edges of his dao, you can see a bit on the short (inner) edge of the dao where the blade seems to transition from sharp to blunt:

And this shot, it's confirmed that there is a short blunt area on the inner edge of his dao:

In this memorable scene, Di Feisheng uses his hand against the very short blunt part of his dao to press his attack into Li Xiangyi's cheek:

One of the upsides of his unusual dao is also that he can use the inner edge for attacking as well. Upward sweeps using the inner edge aren't possible with usual daos (because they are blunt), but are possible with Di Feisheng's dao. I think we see an example of that here in the way you see his arm sweeping upward. (He has also added a substantial amount of qi to this sweeping strike, most of us plebs don't have enough qi to do anything like this.)

You can see how he gains some flexibility to his attacking capabilities, when he flips his blade mid-block into an attack:

While a double-edge gives him more adaptability in terms of attack on along the slashing and chopping edges of his dao, what he is losing out on because of the blunt end is thrust. You almost never see Di Feisheng thrust his dao forward because his sword just doesn't work like that.

In this final scene in the episode one fight when they are charging at each other, Li Xiangyi thrusts the Shaoshi Jian forward, but Di Feisheng, due to the design of the dao, has to slash:

However, most of the power of a dao is in its slashing and chopping motions. This is where the weight of the blade and its curved design (plus gravity and force) result in the most damage. Unlike the jian, the dao's thrusts do less damage. My conclusion about this is that it's a purposeful trade-off that Di Feisheng has made. He would rather maximize his offensive capabilities where they are strongest.

In terms of blocking, the design of Di Feisheng's dao means he's at a defensive disadvantage, since there's no blunt area to brace his body against for blocking (he can use his hand on the bit that is blunt, but because he has an edge along the rest of it, he can't use a shoulder or upper arm). This is a key feature of the standard dao that Di Feisheng's dao is missing.

In this move in the Battle of the Eastern Sea in episode 1, we see Di Feisheng execute a block, but he's got both of his hands along the hilt instead:

At this point, it should be noted that the standard dao is typically a one-handed weapon. The hilt is slightly curved, so you can get a good downwards chop with your wrist. There are other daos that have straight hilts and can be two-handed like the Miaodao 苗刀 (which is more similar to the Japanese katana 刀 than most Chinese folks like to admit). Di Feisheng's dao being straight-hilted and two-handed isn't that unusual because it's a feature that can be present on certain types of dao (it's way less unusual than the two edges!), but I thought it was worth pointing out in case any eagle-eyed readers noticed the difference between the Wikipedia image and what Di Feisheng has.

I could wax on about Di Feisheng's dao and his fighting style forever, but I think this thread has gone on for long enough.

I believe that the design of Di Feisheng's dao is very clever. At first glance, it seems utterly silly (what kind of dao has two edges?), but on deeper inspection of his style and how he uses it, it is consistent with his character.

He is always playing on Hard Mode because he is trading defense for more flexibility in his offense. And he is maximizing his offense where it is strongest (slashes and chops), and choosing to forego the offensive capabilities where it is weaker (thrusts).

...And that really is Di Feisheng's martial arts style in a nutshell, isn't it?

[hideyseek]

the first shot / 雪迷宫 is SHOCKINGLY weilan to me for a show that contains neither of these guys???

main guy is the leader of a special investigative team that makes up our main ensemble cast

the secondary guy his boyfriend is a glasses-wearing professor type with secrets, specialized knowledge, a very clear persona, and a hidden ruthlessness

also the professor guy is the best dressed out of the whole group

there's a whole Thing about the professor guy's fake pleasant smile

they live together in main guy's apartment

at one point the main guy gets told off by his superiors and his boyfriend writes his letter of apology for him

[liesonthefloordramatically]

And I'll be back next summer You'll see me again I'll be back next summer I'll survive 'til then

[your-turn-to-role]

been working my way through the lovm s2 q&as that are on youtube

and like! love them as always, the cast is great, great to hear them talk about this stuff

but also. i took like a year ish hiatus from this fandom before tlovm pulled me back in, and in that time i, among other things, finished my theatre degree

and god does this hit different when you're a week out from the professional opening of an original musical you wrote with like 7 other people, and are also not just a performer in but the music director of

[freckleslikestars]

The kids I teach think I’m magic because I have a puzzle ring that falls apart when I take it off but stays together when I wear it. It’s just very sweet.

[roaringroa]

commented on a gymnastics video about how it was a shame that the international broadcast for yesterday's world championship women's finals didn't show julia soares' from brazil solo because i loved it (i watched the brazilian broadcast that did show it), she did so well especially considering she had just fallen off the beam, she aced it and helped give confidence back to the whole team and then linked to the only youtube video i could find for it. and then a middle aged slightly butch woman replied with "thank you dear, i'm going to watch it. big hug!"

what i'm getting at is that my rizz is off the charts women love me

[dudadragneel]

YOU BLINKED AND HERE I AM WITH ANOTHER SICKFIC (a little drabble, but an interesting one)

🦄 So I was watching the recent SKZ talker right and there was this scene (I’ll link it) and I got this idea. So it’s after one of their performances and they’re all really exhausted. So I thought, imagine him feeling really really dizzy and nauseous so you tell him that it’s probably because he hasn’t eaten so you sit down next to him while he eats. But he doesn’t stop feeling sick to he tells you that he’s going to the bathroom and leaves for a while but then he texts you saying he needs you to come to him. When you get there you ask him what’s wrong and he asks you to help him throw up.

Thank you, dear Liza! For making this cute header, I loved it 💜🥹

120% EFFORT

To say their choreographies were hard was an understatement. They never ceased to amaze you when it came to performances. And for this last comeback? S-Class? Sometimes you got yourself wondering if they were really humans and what went through their mind when creating such hard choreos.

You were watching as they recorded for one of the music shows over and over again, and couldn't help but feel amazed and tired for them. Unfortunately they had to record this several times if there was even the tiniest mistake, given how perfectionist they were.

Your eyes were glued on Hyunjin, he always gave 120% on his dance no matter how tired or injured he was, as you had already seen before.

He looked absolutely amazing and mesmerizing and everytime you thought to yourself that the take was perfect, they did it one more time. It was safe to say that they recorded at least 5 times.

When they finally managed to get the perfect stage, everyone was sweating as if water had been poured on them and were completely out of breath.

You were waiting for Hyunjin in the dressing room along with the staff and cheered when the boys entered the room. They were all out of breath and clearly tired but had sincere smiles across their faces nonetheless.

You ran to Hyunjin hugging him and kissing him as you congratulated him on another amazing performance.

- Honey! That was awesome!

- Thank you babe.

You were happy but you noticed right away when you got close to him that something seemed off, he was sweating too much and was a little bit pale.

- You okay?

- Yeah...I just feel really dizzy...and sick...

- You're probably tired. You danced five times in a row. And you haven't eaten much today right?

- hm...

- Then let's eat.

- Okay .

Hyunjin was feeling nauseous but also hungry, and those two feelings were fighting watch other inside his stomach and he wasn't happy about that. But he knew that not eating anything would just worsen the nausea he was already feeling.

You handed him a packed lunch and sat down next him with the boys for a well-deserved meal. Just like their choreographies, it also amazed you how much these boys could eat. Which wasn't a surprise given how much they danced and worked, and it also explained why they didn't gain as much weight.

They kept chatting about the performance and how STAYs were really excited even if they were watching the same stage more than once.

But Hyunjin was quiet, he just ate slowly engaging in the conversation every so often. You noticed it and also did the boys.

- Hyune-ah, you okay?

- Hm? Yeah.

He said looking up and chewing his food. He looked way too cute even though he was clearly not that well.

- You sure? You look off...

- I'm just tired...

The boys went back to the conversation and you kept eating and looking at Hyunjin, noticing how he still looked pale and sweaty.

He was feeling horrible, something wasn't right. His stomach was gurgling and the nausea wasn't going away, no matter how much he ate or drink, that awful feeling just insisted on lingering around.

He felt something weird in his stomach, it wasn't pain but it also felt too strange to be nausea but he knew he needed to go to the bathroom. He put down whatever he was eating and wiped his hands, that were starting to tingle a little.

- I'm gonna go to the bathroom...

- Hm? Okay.

He grabbed his phone and left. In the hallway to the bathroom he started praying that it didn't have anybody there, he didn't want to be sick in front of people. But before he got to the bathroom, what he was feeling in the dressing room had gotten a bit worse. The tingling sensation in his hands had increased, his stomach felt heavy and his breathing was strange, he felt out of breath as if he has just gotten off stage and his vision had black dots.

Shit! Am I gonna faint?

That's what crossed his mind, he needed to get to that bathroom quickly. He just turned around the corner and entered the bathroom and went straight into one of the stalls and closed it behind him.

He lost strength in his legs and kneeled in front of the toilet, the weird feeling in his stomach increased ten fold and he ducked his head in the toilet as a harsh gag cut through his body but nothing came out. He started feeling cold and hot at the same time, he felt cold sweat soaking his outfit and he was sure his makeup was melting off his face.

Another strong wave of nausea made him gag unproductively again and it just kept adding strain to his already tired body.

The dual feeling of burning and being cold got worse, his hands and mouth were tingling and his stomach kept feeling weird. He managed to stand up a little, only to stumble to the wall next to him, thank God for that wall, and then faint.

You were starting to get worried, it had been a few minutes since he left and he still hadn't come back.

- Y/n, where's Hyunjin?

- He said he was going to the bathroom.

- Is he okay?

- I hope so...

A few minutes later you got a text from him:

- babe. Can you come here?

- What happened?

- I'm not feeling well.

- Okay. Hold on.

- Shit!

You cursed under your breath and the boys noticed.

- what's wrong?

- Hyunjin just texted me. He said he's not feeling well.

- Really?

- I'll go see what's wrong. I'll text you guys.

- okay

-IN THE BATHROOM A FEW MINUTES BEFORE-

Hyunjin slowly regained consciousness, his ears were still ringing and his vision was fuzzy. Thankfully he didn't fall on the ground, he managed to slid down the wall on a sitting position.

Along with the confusion of trying to take in his surroundings and taking control back of his body, his stomach felt even worse than before with a strong wave of nausea suddenly ripping through him making him stumble to the toilet just in time for a harsh gag bring up an insignificant amount of saliva and bile, considering how miserable he felt.

He kept kneeling in front of the toilet, trying to expell whatever was revolting inside him in failed attempts.

He tried gag forcefully and contract his stomach but nothing was working and the nausea persisted.

At some point he gave up, he felt miserable and in pain, his head was pounding and he still felt faint, so he decided to text you, he needed you by his side and your help.

- NOW -----

You ran to the bathroom as soon as you got the text and you didn't care if it was the men's restroom.

You entered and started calling Hyunjin, who answered weakly signaling he was at the last stall.

- Babe, I'm coming in.

You opened the door to find Hyunjin sitting down on the floor, leaning against the wall looking as white as the wall itself. His forehead was damp with sweat and he was shaking a little.

- Oh my god! Hyune! What happened baby!?

You said as you kneeled in front of him.

- I...I felt something weird in my stomach...I came here and tried to throw up but I ended up fainting...

- why didn't you tell me before you left the room?

- I don't know...I'm sorry...

- No, do not apologize.

You grabbed his hands and noticed how cold they felt.

- Babe....My stomach....

- what is it?

- I want to throw up...but I tried to and nothing's coming up...and the nausea just won't go away....help me, please.

- Okay. I'll help you.

You helped him position himself kneeling in front of the toilet while you stood by his side. His hair was already tied up from the stage so you could focus yourself on his stomach.

His mouth was filling up with saliva and kept spitting it out and forcing gags, but none of it were working so you decided to step up. You'd rather not have to do this but he was clearly in agony and he had asked you to do it.

- Babe, excuse me, okay?

- Hmm...

Instead of rubbing his back as you would normally do, you went for his stomach. You rubbed it gently, in circles, applying a little bit of pressure each time, trying to stimulate him.

He gagged a few times but still unproductive. You insisted on the approach a few more times.

- Babe, I'm sorry, I'll be a little more rough this time okay?

You said as you placed your hand exactly at the pit of his stomach and pressed it a little stronger than before. And again he gagged and only a thin stream of bile came out and both of you knew that wasn't everything that needed to come out.

- Babe...it just won't go away and my stomach just keeps gurgling...

There were tears forming in his eyes, his agony just insisted and it was hurting you to see him like this. You didn't want to resort to this method but it was the last thing up your sleeve to help him.

- Babe, I'll need to induce it okay? It's gonna be bad but bare with me, alright?

You kept one of your hands on his stomach while you stuck your fingers down his throat. At the same time you moved your fingers you pressed down a little harder on his stomach and as soon as you did that, he felt something rushing up his esophagus and a burp brought up a thick stream of undigested food that escaped through your fingers before hitting the toilet water with a sickening sound.

- There we go.

You said as you took out your hand and wiped it while the other kept rubbing his stomach.

Before he could catch his breath another stream gushed out of him, this time coming from his nose as well. And the texture was gross, he had just eaten so it all came back as thick as possible, which made it hard to come out, there was barely any liquid in his vomit, he could see everything he had eaten a few minutes ago and it just made him gag again.

He felt every chunk of food rushing up his throat and a cough made everything come out mixing with the rest on the toilet.

- That's it. You're doing good. Get everything out.

You kept rubbing his stomach and now his back as well, giving little taps from time to time to help him.

Something got caught in his throat which made him start coughing and that fit evolved to gags that were again unproductive and you knew there was more that needed to get out.

- Babe, I'll do it again, alright?

He just nodded and closed his eyes as you stuck your fingers down his throat one more time, repeating the process successfully. You felt vomit on your hand as Hyunjin jolted forward with another thick stream gushing out hitting the edges of the seat and unfortunately getting on your hands as you couldn't take it out in time, but it didn't bother you.

- 'm sorry...

He said quietly before another burp brought up another mouth full of vomit.

- It's okay, honey. Don't worry about it. Just focus on getting everything out.

You pat his back as well when he chocked on a piece of undigested food that got stuck on his throat, be coughed hard and a wet gag brought it out mixed with bile and thick saliva.

He was now left gagging and throwing up only thick saliva and bile, he felt tired and his body felt cold and hot at the same time.

- Honey, I think you're done. Here, lean on me for a while.

You guided him so he was laying on your chest and grabbed his hands, drawing circular patterns to help him calm down.

- Baby, breathe with me ok? Inhale 1 2 3 4, hold 1 2 3 4 and exhale 1 2 3 4.

He followed your instructions and your breathing pattern along with paying attention to the touch on his hands and managed to calm down.

- thank you...love...

- No need to thank me. How are you feeling? Better?

- Yeah... A bit...just tired now...

- Let's go rinse your mouth and go back to the dressing room.

You helped him to the sink and wrapped your arms firmly around him, as it seemed he could faint again at any minute.

You were met with seven pairs of worried eyes as soon as you entered the dressing room. The staff helped you settle Hyunjin on a mattress so he could rest, while they decided what to do.

- y/n, what happened?

- When I got there he told me he'd fainted and then he started throwing up.

- Was he like this all along?

- I don't think so. I think it started after the performance.

The boys gathered with the staff to discuss what they'd do, since there was a fan sign after the recording.

And you sat by Hyunjin's side, stroking his hair while he kept dozing off but trying his best to answer you.

- How are you feeling?

- Icky...tired, sweaty and still a little sick...

- Oh baby, when we get to the dorms you'll be able to rest.

The staff decided to take Hyunjin back to the dorms with you, while the others would proceed with the schedule. Just like usual, the company issued a letter explaining Hyunjin's absence on the fan sign event.

You stayed in the dorms with him, helped him take a shower and then made him some light soup, which he managed to eat a little before passing out in bed and sleeping for the rest of the day, with you cuddling him.

[ashley-foster-13]

Tmr as dancers headcanon

Thomas:

- Hip-hop

- can get quite agressive during battles

- charisma wins every battle for him

- happens to attend ballet

- fascinated by the blond lead

- waits until the audience is almost gone to express his astonishment directly to him

- this wasn't their only conversation ;)

- after Newt gets seriously injured, helps him recover, deal with depression and build up a new life

- literally doesn't step an inch away from him, even when the blond says he's fine

Newt:

- ballet

- seriously dedicated and hardworking

- always nervous before performances, but when music starts he's so into the dance he wakes up only when the applause thunder

- noticed that brunet in the front raw cheering quite energetically

- had a brief conversation with him, and felt like wanted more

- and they had more, talks turned into dates, cafés, then at each other's houses and it became something more

- though Newt thought it was ridiculous he ended up with a hip-hop dancer

- a terrible incident left him with a limp

- just when he fell, the first instinct was to call Tommy, and only then 911

- is really broken and insecure but greatful for Thomas's help

- never felt safer in anyone's arms but Thomas's

- came to be part time barista and a musician in a local band

- always comes to Tommy's performances

Minho:

- break

- never misses a chance to show off some cool moves

- looks soooo confident but actually really nervous, always asking his girlfriend, Teresa, if he did good

- surely he did awesome. as usual. duh

- crosses paths with Thomas quite often

- they share some tricks/exercises/moves with each other

- these tricks often are a game changer for both of them in battles

- black&red clothes

- wears cap backwards and lookes hot af in it, but secretly hates wearing it because his hair looks so much cooler just like that

- organized sleepovers with newtmas boys when blond got injured

- likes competing with Gally best, although it's often hella hard

- doing choreos together

- that one guy that always does something rushed and stupid, ending up on the floor and everyone laughing their asses off

Gally

- breaker

- not really into it, just dancing for fun

- Thomas once won him in sypher, so now they are kind of enemies

- text Newt to get well soon, but other than that isn't much of a friendly talker

Sonya:

- is on Thomas's hip-hop team

- mocks Newt calling him "princess pretty skirt", but secretly admires his dedication and discipline

- is broken whem Newt gets his injury, doesn't attend any rehearsals

- which rarely take place since Thomas as the leader spends all of his time with Newt

- Sonya has to work part time to make up for both their lost jobs

- goes to Harriet to cry, so that Newt doesn't have to see her in that state since he's not good himself

Harriet:

- contemporary

- teaches students all the time

- loves different drills for difficult moves

- best friends with Sonya

- shares dance secrets with her

- gives advice to Newt as how to recover faster

Aris:

- no style in particular, just attends various workshops

- is that one shy kid in the corner but rocks it on stage

- is more flexible than anyone in the class

- has a crush on Sonya

- attends all the team's performances

- barely works up the courage to ask her to show him some cool moves

- end up in the movies

Frypan:

- chills on different workshops

- is on Thomas's team

- just enjoys the dance, no competition, just the vibes

- calms Thomas down when he's furious with poor lighting or music or that random guy that stared in his phone the whole time

- organizes celebrations after the team's big wins in his house with self-made fancy meals

- everyone enjoying the food holy shit so much

- advises Sonya on a healthy diet

- "bettet feel well and eat tasty, than get ill and look like a stick"

Alby:

- old man in dance industry

- hip-hop, break and variations

- has his own school that is really hard to get into

- is widely respected

- Thomas often comes to him for advice

- not so fond of Greenies but helps anyway

- old, old grumpy man

- but with a nice sense of humor

- doesn't say, but thinks that Thomas's team's really talanted

- and reckless, more often than not

- but that's the attractive part

- stands in the back so that no-one recognizes him and dancers don't get nervous

[ashleywool]

Some thoughts and lessons from my first week on Broadway

(in no particular order)

Insecurities don't magically disappear when you hit The Big Dream. But the Big Dream has made it clearer than ever that my default instinct to downplay my achievements is kind of ridiculous. I need to accept that there's just no casual way to talk about my life right now. There is no pretending that any of this isn't a big deal. It's a huge freaking deal, and I earned it, and it's awesome, and I am no less deserving of its awesomeness than anybody else.

Autistic people have more allies out there than we realize. In advocacy circles, we tend to get rather cynical about what people don't understand, or don't want to understand. But there really are so many people who think we are worth listening to, learning from, and amplifying. There are so many people rooting for us, and actively seeking ways to include and affirm everything we are. They know they aren't going to get everything "right" immediately, and they know we won't always have the emotional energy for the hard conversations, but they are THERE, and they are there because they WANT to be. Yes, even on Broadway.

Fun fact: my first survival job was "Starbucks barista." (Other fun fact: the day I made my Broadway debut, Starbucks Workers United announced a massive strike for the very next day.) One thing that my time on Broadway has with my time at Starbucks is that I never seem to have enough Sharpies. At Starbucks, the Sharpies were for marking cups by hand (yes, I'm that old), and on Broadway, they're for signing Playbills at the stage door. (Like I said, there's no casual way to talk about this stuff.)

I honestly underestimated how much Broadway performers have to eat. It's easy to think most Broadway performers tend to be predominantly thin/buff just because the industry is fatphobic--and don't get me wrong, it totally is--but I also don't think most people really understand how athletic it is to do a full musical eight times a week, and what you have to do offstage to make sure you have the strength and stamina for it. It's genuinely harder than I thought it would be to make sure I'm not at a calorie deficit--and my less-than-stellar autistic interoception means that I can't always rely on "hunger cues" the way most people can. I really do have to PLAN to eat. And eat more than I would usually think I need.

I'm getting a lot better at doing my own wig prep. And I'm very excited about how pretty my hair looks at the end of the night when I release it from the pincurls.

Thanks to Mayte Natalio and Team Choreo, I'm also getting a lot better at learning choreography without a mirror. Poor proprioception is common in autistic people and it's one of my biggest insecurities, so it is always very stressful and overwhelming for me to learn choreography without a mirror, especially if I'm in a large group. It's difficult for me to visualize where I am in space and what my movement looks like in relation to others. But the choreo team knows this about me and helps me find other ways to learn and feel confident in the moves without constantly needing immediate visual proof. And that's something I never thought was possible before.

If I had the authority, I would ban pedicabs. Those things are like sensory assault. And they're RIGHT outside our show (and my bedroom window) every night with their lights flashing and their subwoofers blaring. But as a consolation prize to the drivers, I would equip each of them with a food truck. Let them solicit us and our patrons with chicken shawarma and Nuts 4 Nuts instead. That'll certainly get more business from patrons coming out of a show about autistic people.

[technitango]

How was DPR in concert bby? Not once but TWICE!!!

It was amaaaaazing!!!!!!! More details under the cut (warning for rare techi selfies le gasp)

So I went to both the Oakland and LA stop. I flew in the day of the Oakland concert, which was on a Friday, my flight left at like 5:30 am. Then I landed around 8, dropped my bag off at the hotel, and went straight to the line!

I even dressed up a bit, I wore the same outfit both days, and it was a cute outfit, if I dare say so myself haha.

I showed up around 9 am and there were probably a little over 30 people there. I was going solo to the Oakland concert, but thankfully I met some super nice fellow dreamers who were my line buddies and made the time pass as fast as it could.

(It's getting harder and harder for me to stand in line that long, especially in the sun 😅).

I had early entry tickets but this meant we only got let into the venue 15 mins early, so around 6:45 that night.

I actually got an amazing spot though, only like 4 rows back from barrier!

The view was great, and the show was awesome. The crowd in Oakland was so loud and hype.

DPR Artics set in particular was one of my faves, it was like a rave, with electronic music and tons of pretty flashing lights. I danced my ass off it was such a vibe!

Of course Ian was the highlight for me, I love his music and him so much, I definitely got emotional both concerts. My favorite part about concerts is just getting lost in the music. He had a live band for his songs, which really made everything that much better!

The bass at the end of Calico is so good live T_T

The next concert was in LA, and me and a friend had meet & greet tickets that day!

I flew into LA Sunday morning and went straight to the line again at like 8 am this time oh boy. I was feeling pretty exhausted but thankfully I had a friend there to help the time pass!

The meet & greet was a group picture with DPR and ten fans each. It went by super fast but after the picture we got to shake their hands and say something really quick. I wanted to say something meaningful to Ian but all I managed when I held his hand was to say "I love you so much." 😂 I went to say more but he said I looked really beautiful and it made my brain short circuit so that was a bit embarrassing. I will in fact be running off the "you look beautiful" comment from him for the rest of my life though.

Anyway, the LA concert was also super hype, so much energy and loud! I had so much fun all my discomfort went away during the concert and I partied hard. I paid for it afterward but that's okay haha.

DPR is amazing live, they are funny, enigamtic, and put their all into it. I cannot recommend seeing them live enough if you have the chance!

Thats my recap of events, please take this little clip from the LA concert of Ian performing Bad Cold as a gift. The Bad Cold choreo was so fun 😂

[base0h]

Hello cool person! I really like your headcanons, especially the crack ones.

Here is a sorta crack question: I was wondering what your headcanons would be for a scenario where the straw hats are a dance troupe? (like who’d be the lead dancer or genre if my question was confusing)

Aw thank you you’re so sweet 😭🫶 oh my god this is such a good question holy crap

I honestly think the lead would be either luffy or sanji. I think luffy would actually be a great acrobat/dancer since he’s so flexible and can contort his body in weird ass ways. Sanji just has that footwork down bro. He’d be a great second lead.

Obviously Brook would be the main musician. He’s probably amazing at improvising with whatever luffy decides to do

Chopper would be the behind the stage crew along with Franky, using his heavy point he’d be lifting super heavy lights and stuff with ease! If he had to move a ton of bigass props? No problem! Franky appreciates the help since chopper’s so diligent :)

Franky would fix any sort of set issue within seconds of it occurring— like you wouldn’t even notice it going wrong bro it’s amazing. One of the lights goes out? It flickers once and bros on it, so it just looks like it’s part of the show

Nami’s totally the director of it all. Like she has everything on her clipboard and she’s got a plan for everything. Choreo? She’s got it down pat. Stage places? Check. Food/catering? Check. Zoro? Eh don’t worry about him.

Robin is definitely the main singer I feel like her voice would just be angelic. She’s the singer that gets lifted up by all the dancers and she’s wearing this gorgeous outfit as she blesses the audience’s ears with her lyrics. Franky gives her extra spotlight and cries backstage because of how beautiful it is

Jimbei is definitely the guy that gets all the connections to different theaters. Like he could probably somehow get them to perform in some crazy expensive stadium for free. He’s awesome

Usopp is the guy that makes the props and designs them/designs the sets for Franky to build. His sets are beautiful bro. Hand painted and hand made down tot he screws. He’s known as the Picasso of set design in the dance/theater world and he gets very giddy and happy when he hears people talking about him 😂

Zoro???? Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh 🤷

Jkjk I think if he wasn’t lost 24/7 he’d be the guy that checks tickets in that booth and also he probably records the show. It’s the easiest job and he stays put inside the booth (nami locks it until after the show ends so he can’t get out and get lost 💀)

But yes they’d be an amazing troupe 😭🫶 tysm for this idea omg

[karis17love]

opinions on the new maps?

• Previews Ranking •

Btw, here's the title of the song from Spikes' map, so

1. Sweet Melody

This map is everything - it's fierce, it's fun, it's sassy. The coach looks awesome, I love this combination of blue and yellow, the choreo is interesting, energetic and matches the song and beat well. The background is simple, but it fits perfectly - it refers to the music video and is beautiful. It also does not draw all the attention, which makes it easier to focus all your attention on the coach. So overall, I'm very excited about this map.

2. Pink Venom

The map looks great, the coaches are amazing (they're back!!) and I love their outfits. I really like the choreography, it's so satisfying to dance.

3. Lovin On Me

I'm honestly surprised how much I liked this map. I don't really like this song. The main reason why I like Moo's version is the cow. (just the cow, lmao) It makes the map look funnier! But the choreography in this version? Completely changed my thinking. I really like this choreo, it's difficult, but it also fits the song and the coach perfectly. So I'm excited!

4. Paint The Town Red

I like both versions, they really look great. At first, I wasn't a fan, mainly because the background clashed a bit with the coach in my opinion, but I got used to it. I really love coach's energy tho

5. In The Shadows

I won't lie, I find everything about this map beautiful, apart from the choreography. I love the song, I love the atmosphere of the map, the coach looks mysterious. I'm really curious about the lore behind this map and its connections to Boss Witch (+ a bit of Bloody Mary), since according to the community and its theory, this coach is the crow from the beginning of the Boss Witch map.

But the choreography is not good in my opinion, I'm sorry, but it doesn't suit the music and beat. I hope the rest of the choreography will be good. If it weren't for the fact that I really like this song, and I'm excited that it will be in the game and the map looks visually really beautiful, I would put it in last place...

6. Whenever, Wherever (Wolly's Version)

It's a sweet alternative version, I won't lie, just from the looks of it I like it a lot more than Move Your Body. The choreography is fantastic, it's cool, and it fits the song, not mind-blowing, but it's alright.

7. Chattahoochee

The country songs are really cool, and I'm glad another one is being added to the game. I put it in last place because I have the impression that the preview didn't show much

Overall - previews week - 8/10 ❤

[fredwkong]

Hello ^^, I stumbeld over your Tumblr and i find it really cool and the storys are awesome.

Im a 24 year old studebt who has a very normal live with my two best girlfriends and they speak day innday out about how hot korean boys are and that they are so cool and hot. For my wish i would say I wish to be like some of this korean boys so that i can have the experience when you need tontake someone away to do it yoz can take whatever you want. Oh when its important im from Germany ^_^

Hey thanks! Glad you enjoy my writing. Hopefully you’ll be happy with the genie who’s been assigned to grant your wish.

You hear the genie coming first. He’s carrying an old-fashioned boombox over his shoulder, blaring K-pop. The sound is strangely… addictive. You find yourself bouncing your head back and forth as the genie stops in front of you.

“Delivery,” he says, grinning. He puts the boombox down at your feet. “Hope you like dancing.”

You usually don’t like dancing, but you find that your body moves without your command, hitting poses and executing choreo automatically. With each move and pose, your body slims down, your hair darkens and straightens, and your clothes dissolve. Black, fine-lined tattoos inch across your taut, muscular torso.

When the song ends, the compulsion releases you. Now, you think, you can begin your new life as a sexy Korean boy. Before you can move, though, one of your friends walks by. She squeals. “OMG,” she shrieks, “you’ll totally be my Korean GBF now!”

“Like, for sure, girl!” comes out of your mouth, in a soft Korean accent. You aren’t sure why your body won’t respond to your commands as you start to sashay after your friend.

The good news? You’re a cute, tight-bodied Korean stud. The bad news? You do whatever anyone else tells you to do. You’re pretty much a passenger in your own body.

Another wish fulfilled.

Got a wish you need twisted? Send an ask! Remember to say “I wish” so the genie hears exactly what you’re wishing for.

[singitagain]

Lauren Lopez did the choreography for both Spies Are Forever and Nerdy Prudes Must Die and nobody is talking about it enough!! She’s clearly on an uphill track with it too: SAF has a lot of good moments and then eight years later, Nerdy Prudes is loaded with so much awesome choreo. I want to shout out some of my favorite choreo moments from both shows, feel free to add on in tags or replies!!

Spies Are Forever:

-Owen and Curt dancing together in the opening scene. Do I even have to elaborate. The hug?? Immaculate

-Somebody’s Gotta Do It, and specifically the little tango(?) step that Sergio and the DMA do. I always giggle near the end when they do it together

-Not so Bad’s dance break is so much fun, and the kick line bit and the henchmen autobahn/smoking etc bits are endlessly funny to me

-Eyes on the Prize II - the whole opening sequence about the casino (especially the line “the thrill of winning intoxicates” and the little hand of cards movement they do), the borderline macarena arms on “keep your eyes on the prize,” the spin around to point at Curt at the end, it’s all SO GOOD

-literal all of One Step Ahead (not sure if this falls to choreo or directing though)

Nerdy Prudes Must Die:

-the whole Dirty Girl sequence?? hello?? it’s so fun and fits the song perfectly.

-Bully the Bully has the most delightful choreography to me! The single ladies arms (sorry if that’s not at all what it is, it’s the only thing I associate it with haha) and Grace’s continual spinning around are so fun, and the moves for “we’re gonna make a dirty movie where the losers win and the joke is on him” are so goofy and my favorite thing ever

-the Go Go Nighthawks cheer section brings me so much joy, I actually taught myself to do it the other day because I like it so much

-Best of You is really endearing and I think the choreography really gets at the vibe of getting really into a school dance, a beautiful mix of still kind of dorky but also completely infused with joy

Long story short we stan Lauren Lopez and her choreography skills (and her acting, singing, dancing, etc. of course!!)

[always-is-always]

I love the performance video with Jungkook and Usher. Seeing them dancing together brings a different energy into the collaboration. The chemistsry, mutual respect and enjoyment is there and very obvious to see. I love it.

JK's heart is shining, he's so happy. You can really see it in the end. That golden maknae, that 15 year old kid who gave up everything to take a chance on becoming an Idol, is experiencing his dream full-on.

Sharing space with a legend like Usher.

Having watched a few reaction videos (because I enjoy hearing the feedback), I have learned a few things about Usher. I honestly didn't know much about him as during the years he was really in the spotlight I was not listening to that genre of American music. I was focused more on world music, new age music, classical, and other genres. So I missed most of Usher, and in particular I missed his early days and connection with Michael Jackson.

I didn't know until today, that Usher brings a lot of Michael Jackson's dance style into his own.

The first SNTY video I loved, and could see some of the MJ influence in the choreo. In the performance video, it was made super obvious with JK's outfit in the first half.

So what I learned about the choreo with Usher is that some of it is choreo that Usher performed with Michael Jackson. That is super cool, in my book. That move near the end when Usher is dancing around JK is something that Usher did with Michael Jackson! People have called that out on YouTube and X. I just think it is so awesome to have a living legend, and a global Korean Super Star pay homage to Michael Jackson.

So, with this understanding of what Usher is bringing to this video comes even more respect for what he and Jungkook (and their teams) have created together. It is freaking amazing!

I am just so happy that Jungkookie was able to do this, before he enlisted. This is such a huge step for him, as a soloist.

It will be cool to see the trajectory of Jungkook's career, post-military. I can only imagine what is to come. 💜

[self-made-cages]

Morgan! I'm so happy you and your mum had a great time at the show on Thursday. In the vein of your small things - pick out 5 highlights cos I've not been online a lot and may have missed things

Em!!! Thanks for asking!!! It was magic and soooo fun and I’m still in shock/awe that we even got to go again 🥰🥰 I haven’t even really shared highlights yet— you missed nothing 😘

1. I kept noticing throughout the show how long Taylor’s hair is. It’s sooo pretty!

2. Our seats were fantastic. Back of the section, on the the aisle, lower bowl lined up perfectly with the surprise song piano. I picked well :)

3. I was thrilled to get a few “new to me” outfits. The moonstone bodysuit is gorgeous and the blue train speak now dress is totally my new favorite. Videos and pictures do NOT capture how sparkly she is onstage!

4. My dream was to get a surprise song that knocked me out and I wouldn’t have necessarily anticipated that TIWWCHNT would’ve done that to me but it DID. I seriously almost fell over. Definitely cried. I think knowing that I picked it for Jaime’s game that night helped add to the “I died, dead” factor.”

5. Torchie Poe is far and away the best set live now. It’s so fun to do the so high school choreo in the big crowd, and the way everyone screamed when she did the archer pose was super sweet. I laughed when literally no one screamed when Post Jan came out— I actually missed him coming on stage because I was waiting for the screaming. Even my grouchy sister admitted that WAOLOM has to be one of her favorite songs now, she thought it was so cool.

6. Getting out of concerts is usually really scary and stressful for me but we did so well— I asked if we could leave right as she started talking after Karma and we got out right ahead of the wave of people. Booked it to the train station and got on the airport express train (we were staying in a hotel out there) with no waiting and no crowd smushing at all. We even got to sit down after some people got off at the first stop which was awesome for my mama.