#you dont need to spotlight the artists who are already very well known

[sanstropfremir]

How do you feel about Studio Choom’s artist of the month? Both like as a concept but also the actual dances. For me they all sorta blend together but I liked SinB’s and the last half of Soojin’s with the lights and the table. I just wish they’d highlight smaller groups cause I’d love to see Hwanwoong, Byeongwan, or Sua there

i was literally just thinking about aotm when this popped up in my inbox....amazing. i love this.

so as a concept? i think it's fun and i like it! i like that there's a space outside of posting content on their group's own channels for the dancers to show off a little. i don't really know how studio choom is choosing the artists because the variety is HILARIOUS. like if you look at most of them they're all baby 98-01 liners and then there's 86er yunho......comedy. and i agree i do think they should be pulling in artists from smaller groups because i would love to see byeongkwan and sua there. or taeyang. however if they bring hwanwoong on they gotta just end the series, there's only like three people that can follow him up and one of them is enlisted.

as far as each actual dance? there are obviously some i liked and some i didn't like. i think the biggest flaw with the concept is the studio choom space itself, because you kinda half to do something with that white big blank box in order for there to be some kind of impact, especially when there's been almost a dozen aotms now. overall i think the ones that work the best are the ones that capitalize on the freedom of the space by pushing it, as opposed to just relying on the dance itself.

chaeyeon (izone) - i gotta give her a break because she was the first one but i don't particularly like this choreo, nor do i actually think it's that good; it's pretty flat. i also don't think they filmed it that well, which makes it harder to appreciate, but studio choom does get better at that as time goes on.

sinb (gfriend) - she's has ok presence but this is a generally flat performance on the whole.

soojin (gidle) - i like the idea behind the lights but that type of flashlight is too small to have any type of throw when there's stage lights blasting. again, if you want to use practicals like that it's really gotta be dark. i like her theme and i LOVE her outfit, but i don't know that she really embodies this performance; it feels very outside of her and i think that's mostly to do with her performance face.

yunho (tvxq) - i don't think this is yunho's best showing, but also i think that yunho's style in particular is incompatible with this kind of up-close showcase format. i've talked about him here, but yunho has one performance setting and that is 'attempting to light myself on fire so you can see me from the nosebleeds in the tokyo dome' and you can't really reel that in with any kind of readability to a close quarter camera situation. the vices section is much more readable and fun because he lets some of that attitude through, but he gave himself performance face for this one. i like that he brought in some set rather than just practical furniture.

yeji (itzy) - i feel like i've never watched this choreo all the way through because it doesn't have any dynamism. i also don't think the choreo itself does yeji much justice, since the moves slow down in pace in the last half and it makes her look like she's tired.

wooyoung (ateez) - this choreo does a great job of integrating character and the beat changes in a manner that interesting to watch and not particularly easy to perform. it has very complex dynamics because of the way the song is remixed and it's a real strength of wooyoung's that he can maintain the energy even though the choreo demands him to go slow-fast-slow-fast-slow-fast-slow. i like that studio choom chose wooyoung in the first place because he doesn't get a whole lot of performance time and although yes this is on brand for him and he could have pushed something more unusual, it's still nice to see.

yeonjun (txt) - i really hate the song watermelon sugar so poor yeonjun was already at a disadvantage, but i also don't think it was the right type of song for this narrative. i do like that there wass a narrative and i like that he chose a rock song for the second half, but they don't transition the songs together well and he didn't choose a good rock song. there's a lot of fun ways to blend an acoustic -> amped song that work better than this, and tbh he should have just stuck to one song rather than using two. the jacket guitar move is very fun but overall the choreo doesn't feel like it fits the concept that well, it reads very disharmonious to me.

chaeryeong (itzy) - this is one of my favourite routines! chaeryeong is one of the most effective at utilizing the emotions of the song to enhance the performance and also holding the space for herself as a performer, which i was a bit surprised by since i don't find her to be a standout in itzy. i especially liked the use of the tower cam for an above angle, which was a great way to give a different dimension to the space.

juyeon (the boyz) - the choreographer and/or performance director did a GREAT job working with juyeon's one (1) expression of slighly-menacing-blue-steel. the combination of lighting and keeping the camera in close works really well in conjunction with this type of movement and the first two outfits are so good. they're both excellent examples of how to use black to minimize and disappear body parts: the tight black of his shirt combined with the red ripping though his jeans really emphasize the uncanny feeling that he's crawling out of his own skin in transformation, and the yellow underlayer at ankle, arm, and that sliver of torso gives just enough limb definition while while implying a process of unearthing gold. i do think they flub the final transformation with that plain white and black look though, they should have gone full matthew bourne swan lake with it, honestly.

hyunjin (stray kids) - the single split second of excitement when i thought that hyunjin had chosen an actual mötley crüe song....... and then his betrayal of cutting his hair........... this could have been so much more interesting than it actually was. it's good choreo and i think he performed it well, but it's also very typical of the stray kids brand and i would have liked to see something more experimental from him, especially in this space that's removed from the group, and since he just did something more alternative with red lights!

for me the most effective performances are the ones that use the lighting rig and camera flexibility to its full capacity, like wooyoung's, juyeon's, and chaeryeong's. the interesting thing that the aotm series does is expose how there's definitely a mode of younger gen performance; there are some that are able to shake that better than others, but it's still very present that they're all performing in a way that reads as performing. i don't think that this is a problem, it's just a thing i've been noticing. part of it correlates to them being young, but i also wonder if it correlates to the prevalency of this kind of close-quarters-filmed-content-focus that's been cropping up in the last couple of years, since yunho also adopted a similar style for this specifically. i want to say maybe that it's also to do with the distance involved in performing for a live audience vs a camera (theatre vs film acting) but there are third and fourth gen idols that are good at both, so it might just be circling back around to the point i made here where there's a difference between being able to execute choreo well vs truly embodying a choreo.

[capricores]

hey, love 💓 hope you’re having a good day. I just discovered I have an Aquarius stellium and I don’t really know what it means 🙃

thank you so much angel! aquarius stellium:

“extrovert-passing introverts” // aquarius stelliums are great at being social, and they like connecting with people, but they tend to hate being social at the exact same time, they like isolation/alone time and can have a pretty short fuse for dealing with people (it’s pretty conflicting! they have a love-hate relationship with being social lol, it highly depends on the house of the aquarius stellium in this case)

they tend to have that “social battery”, but it works both ways. they need social interaction for happiness (esp aquarius moon/venus), but they also usually need a day or three to recharge after social interactions/gatherings

despite their very chill, calm exterior i do find they get irritated and frustrated pretty easily, they have a very low tolerance for people’s bs and they aren’t usually great at hiding their annoyance (mostly because they simply don’t care to; in an aquarian’s mind they don’t generally see why they would hide their emotions for your sake)

surprisingly very stubborn! people expect them to be open since they’re an air sign; and mind you, they are very good at listening and understanding new ideas, concepts, ways of thinking/doing things, etc., but it’s pretty rare for aqua dominant people to change their ways/mind; and if they do it has to be on their own terms & feel like it was their own choice/idea

they can have issues when it comes to embracing & accepting their emotions; they tend to intellectualize and try to rationalize everything they feel (this will depend heavily on the individual’s moon though)

tend to be musically and/or artistically inclined, usually the most talented and creative people you’ll ever meet (i find most aquarians use art/music as an outlet; and a huge chunk of aquarius stelliums i’ve “studied” or read for have made their careers in the art fields)

i’ve noticed they tend to stutter a lot when speaking! aquarian dominant people (esp aquarius moons, mercurys) have this habit of speaking before they’ve actually formed the thought/planned out what they were gonna say: so they kinda of just “sjlkfdjdlkf” irl sometimes or take a while to finish their sentence (scattered speaking style)

they don’t like talking about their emotions/feelings unless they can be self-deprecating about it or make a relatable meme/joke out of it

very analytical people and they overthink anything and everything that people say and do (especially with aquarius moon and/or mercury)

they’re quite blunt, they don’t generally sugarcoat things and can be as cutthroat as aries/capricorn are stereotyped to be

on that note, they often just say what’s on their mind at the time and they don’t intend to hurt people, they just don’t often realize the things they’re saying are hurtful/too blunt

aquarians are very, ‘why would i filter myself for someone? i don’t want people to filter to me’, and it can be hard for them to understand some people’s sensitivities in conversation

they really despise copycat or reflector-type individuals; their biggest turn-offs tend to be those who follow the crowd, don’t think for themselves, mold themselves for others, etc

aquarians can take a really, really long time to fall in love i find, as they tend to not care for it and usually just view people in a “friend way”, but once they find “their person” they are 100000% committed and will probably make big steps (from saying “i love you” to straight up moving in together, marriage, etc) very fast

undeveloped they do run a habit of having “hot and cold” relationships; a tendency to become super attached very fast only to flip the switch and detach shortly after, usually after they lose interest or become too comfortable

on the topic of romance again, aquarians also (or at least as i’ve noticed) do not use “i love you” very easily or lightly, even if they DO love you and you’re best friends/in a committed long-term relationship/etc, they don’t use the phrase very often and tend to save it for very select times

again can have a lot of trouble expressing their feelings and emotions so they can be a bit awkward at first and for a while in relationships

again they’re VERY independent and they need alone/recharging time or they’ll get very frustrated and anxious

they get very protective of their creations, ideas and style; so when they feel they’re being imitated; or when their ideas are criticized; they get extremely upset and defensive 

also very humanitarian!! i’ve noticed despite most aquarians being like “oh i hate the world/society/people/etc” they have this constant, inner need to help people/the environment/the world and tend to be really passionate about it (aquarius energy is very “fuck the world!! im gonna still save it tho”)

aquarian stelliums probably had an emo phase and if they managed to escape it they probably still dress like they’re in their emo phase lol

depending on their ascendant/midheaven they likely have a pretty unique sense of style as well; i find those with strong aquarian influence often wear very “stand out”, “in your face” and original outfits; very much the type to constantly be changing their hair colour & makeup styles as well (they like wearing things or having aesthetics that tend to shock others; they secretly enjoy getting reactions out of people)

these individuals are very committed to their work and hobbies, they tend to put those above everything else in their life. a lot of people forget the aquarian connection to saturn; aquarians are usually very committed to their jobs and work very hard when they’re in the work-zone

their friends tend to be a hugely significant part of their life too; aquarius moons/venuses especially tend to talk about their close friends ALL the time and they’re very, very protective of them (so loyal)

aquarius stelliums tend to have lots of acquaintances but only a few select close friends (and even most of those close friends they don’t fully open up to)

usually struggles with intimacy and vulnerability 

they tend to radiate a lot of natural confidence and security in themselves, despite how insecure they may feel inwardly 

not to stereotype, but they do usually tend to be drawn to obscure, occult or controversial things. often the types to have “weird” hobbies, interests or habits

often very into, or open to, things like astrology, conspiracy theories, spirituality, etc! but they do think very rationally and logically, so they like to analyze and pick apart these things at the same time, they don’t just accept and follow these things (they have no issue with picking apart their own passions and interests either, so if you debate an aquarius they probably already know what you’re gonna say lol)

usually have the nagging desire to be known (whether it be famous, or just accepted/loved by many/friends/family/etc); they likely felt misunderstood and abandoned their entire life (namely in childhood) so now they have a huge craving to be in the spotlight; although they hate admitting this

aquarians have the ability to fit in well with many types of people, yet often in childhood they were excluded and/or subjects of bullying i’ve noticed (oftentimes from their own family), which is part of the reason why they frequently grow up lacking a feeling of “belonging” or feel like “outsiders”; they deep down crave to be accepted and embraced/have fans/supporters

aquarius stelliums often struggle with fears of abandonment which contributes more to their isolation habits and independent “i dont need anyone but me and my spotify playlists” nature

they despise being controlled, tied down or told what to do; often if you tell an aquarius not to do something they’ll go out of their way to do it, even if they initially didn’t want to do said thing lol (the house that’s in aquarius will show the area of life in which they “rebel” the most; or are the most uncontrollable/free/independent) 

random note: i also find aquarius stelliums are frequently very awkward around children/don’t usually desire nor want any at all

[johnnysnostril]

Without You

chapter three

ivy’s pov

“your sister?” johnny said surprised. “you didn’t tell me you had a sister.”

i watched him size up my body as i looked up at him and smiled. he stood much taller than me.

maybe 6′2? i dont know.

“hi, im johhny.” he said reaching his hand out.

“h-hi.. im ivy.” 

i quickly took his hand and shook it before pulling back and crossing my arms.

“it’s very nice to meet you.” johnny looked right into my eyes as he softly bowed his head in my direction.

“so boys, about this new song.”

Malcolm interrupted. alonna waved me over to her and pulled a chair for me to sit.

“we’re thinking about collaborating with one of alonna’s clients.”

“i think you guys will really love him. his vibe is incredible and his music is just insane.” she said crossing her legs.

“we’re down for anything. we love working with american artists.” johnny voiced. he stuck his hands in his pocket as he stood tall, with his shoulders back.

that was my weakness.

“his name is marteen and he’s around your age, mark.” she chuckled.

“we’re planning on having a dinner meeting with him and his people tonight. we need everyone in the room, there.” malcolm said with a serious face.

“it’s important that we make a good impression, so everyone needs to be on their best behavior.” alonna stated as she looked over at the male in the corner.

he glanced over at her and let me tell you.

if looks could kill, alonna would be dead right now.

i shot a quick glance over at her as she slightly rolled her eyes and sighed silently.

“when you say everyone..” johnny ask as he looked over at me with a quickness.

“i mean, everyone. a good friend of mine is helping with the producing on this one and his company means business.” malcolm said pulling his sunglasses off. 

the room got quiet just as the boy with dark hair started to talk. he spoke in korean, almost to a whisper- then looked over at me with intense eyes. his jaw line was so sharp, i felt like he was cutting my actual eyeballs.

but, from the look on johnny’s face, i figured that what he said wasn’t very nice.

did he just insult me?

was i not supposed to be here?

“yeah, wanna come ivy?” alonna said spinning her chair in my direction and changing the subject.

i hated that stupid kool-aid smile on her face. she always smiled like that when she was planning something.

“oh..um-”

“we’d love to have you.” johnny suddenly smiled. “maybe we could all get to know each other better.”

“i dont know anything about music though...” i opted. “so, i probably shouldn’t go.” i muttered.

“she’s actually a good singer, malcolm.” alonna blurted out. 

i shook my head.

“she’s lying. i don’t sing at all.” i lied. 

malcolm stood.

“oh, then you’re definitely coming with us, ms.ivy.”

at dinner

getting out of the car, i pushed my dress down and sighed. 

“i look stupid.” i mumbled.

“no you dont. now shut up..” alonna said closing the car door.

from the other side of the car, i watched her do a familiar shimmy as she pulled her dress down too.

ivy’s outfit:

alonna’s outfit:

walking to the drivers side, i met up with her and linked onto her arm.

“i don’t even need to be here.. and i think we’re slightly over dressed, alonna.”

“first of all, yes the hell you do. i couldn’t do this without you. you give me confidence. second, we might actually be the only two dressed down.” she laughed.

“malcolm really doesn’t play. when he shows up, he shows out.”

as we walked into the dinning area, soft jazz music played through the speakers. and when i tell you that i felt COMPLETELY out of place- that’s exactly what i mean. 

alonna greeted the host. shortly after, he lead us into a closed off area with rounded tables. there, we saw malcolm and the boys.

spotting johnny’s familiar face, i felt a little more comfortable. i rested my shoulders as we walked to the table. all the boys stood and bowed to us.

i was shocked.

why would they bow? we weren’t royalty.

“you ladies look stunning.” johnny said opening his arms.

“why, thank you. you dont look too bad yourself.” 

alonna hugged him then once again, put the spotlight on me.

“doesn’t ivy clean up nice?” she turned back and winked at me, then made her way to the table where malcolm was sitting.

i changed the subject.

“so umm.. i’m not sure if i caught everyone’s name..” i stumbled on my words slightly.

“i’m sorry- how rude of me.” johnny laughed. “well, we’re nct 127. a boy group from korea and as you seen earlier this evening- we do music.” he smiled.

“you already know me, im johnny.” he placed his hand on his chest and leaned forward a bit.

“here we have-” he said pointing to the table, starting from the left.

“winwin, yuta and jungwoo.”

they all bowed once again then took their seats.

“taeil, doyoung, jaehyun, and our youngest member- haechan.”

i smiled as haechan reached his hand across the table, taking mine.

“it’s very nice to meet you.” he smiled, trying his best to pronounce every letter in each word.

i chuckled at his english and nodded.

“nice to meet you too.”

“and over there with malcom, that’s taeyong- our leader. and mark.”

he said in a dry tone.

i glanced over at alonna and the guys, then nodded.

“well, it’s very nice to meet you all. i defiantly dont want to intrude on you guys- so i might just go sit over there.” i said pointing to a small table all the way in the back.

“by yourself? no, way. we can make room for an angel like you.” johnny winked.

“sit next to me.” haechan said patting the free space next to him. his face lit up like a candle as i made my way over to the booth and crossed my legs as i sat down.

“so, you guys live in korea?” i asked.

“yes, of course.” haechan nodded.

everyone laughed and i looked around the table.

“i’m sorry.. i think i missed the joke.” i revealed.

johnny shook his head.

“as you can see- haechan’s not that good at english. he’s not totally sure what you said just now, he’s just agree with whatever comes out of your mouth. cause you’re pretty.”

“johnny hyung, teaches me.” he shrugged.

“how long have you known alonna?” jaehyun said leaning forward.

“she’s my sister.” i giggled. “so, for 26 years.”

jaehyun pressed his lips together then glanced over towards alonna.

“pay attention, jaehyun. alonna introduced her as her sister at the studio. or were just daydreaming about her again and not listening?” johnny laughed.

just as i blinked, johnny was clutching onto his arm, in pain.

“i wasn’t daydreaming. shut up.” he mumbled.

alonna’s pov

“so, we have a deal?” i asked reaching my hand across the table.

sean quickly took my hand and shook it firmly.

“marteen’s going to love this. thank you for the opportunity, alonna. it’s always a joy working with you.”

i smiled and titled my head to the side as i drew my hand back, patting malcolm’s shoulder.

“thanks to this genius, right here.”

“so, when do we start?” taeyong grunted and finally decided to sit up straight.

“when are you guys heading back to korea?” sean asked.

“honestly- i think we’ve been wasting our time here.” he blurted out.

malcolm, mark and i shot him a deadly glance.

“i dont really feel like our talent is being valued as artist. what do you think, alonna?” 

taeyong flipped up his hoodie and crossed his arms.

“i think that you might have had too much to drink.” i said looking at his shot glasses that covered his side of the table.

he rolled his eyes and stood up abruptly. 

“yeah? well i think this meeting is bullshit.”

“hyung- please, relax.” mark said trying to calm him down.

taeyong pushed the shot glasses off the table then stormed out of the restaurant.

immediately, malcolm and i started to apologize.

“go check on him, i’ll fix this.” he whispered over to me.

i excused myself from the table and darted for the exit.

stepping outside, i seen taeyong leaned against the brick wall- about to light a cigarette. 

i stomped my way over to him, snatching it out of his mouth and breaking it in half.

“what the fuck was that?!” i yelled.

“did you not hear me, when i said that everyone needed to be on their best behavior? are you out of your mind?! malcolm and i have worked our asses off to get you guys this chance and you just fucked it up.” i said pushing his chest back.

taeyong rolled his eyes and pulled out another cigarette.

i groaned and snatched that one too.

“and since when did you start with this shit?”

as i threw the white cylinder into his chest, he looked at me and tilted his head. he was quiet for a moment then parted his lips to speak.

“since you started acting like you don’t know who i am anymore. since you broke things off between us.. that’s when, alonna.”