ITZY's Main Dancer: Lee Chae Ryeong's Journey to Stardom

ITZY has revolutionized the K-pop landscape since their 2019 debut, setting new standards for performance and choreography in the industry. At the heart of their dynamic performances stands Lee Chae Ryeong, the group's main dancer whose precision and artistry have become legendary among fans and critics alike.

As one of the most technically skilled members of ITZY, Chaeryeong's journey from a seven-year-old dance enthusiast to a commanding presence on global stages exemplifies dedication and artistic growth. Her story intertwines with ITZY's meteoric rise, survival show experiences, and countless hours of practice that shaped her into the performer she is today.

Early Dance Foundations and Training Years

Lee Chaeryeong's dance journey began remarkably early, setting the foundation for her future role as ITZY's main dancer. At the tender age of six, she took her first steps into the world of dance, driven by her family's deep involvement in the arts.

Early Training and Family Support The young dancer's path was significantly shaped by her family's unwavering support. Along with her sister Lee Chaeyeon, Chaeryeong enrolled in the Sarangae Practical Music Academy, where her natural talent quickly became apparent. Her instructors noted that she possessed an exceptional ability to learn choreography, mastering routines with remarkable speed.

Academic Excellence in Dance Her formal training intensified at the Kyw Dance School, where she developed the technical foundations that would later define her signature style. During her approximately six-year training period before debut, Chaeryeong's dedication to perfecting her craft led to a unique opportunity - a specialized training program in Japan, where she immersed herself in jazz dance.

What sets Chaeryeong apart is her distinctive dance style, characterized by:

Development of Signature Style During her training years, Chaeryeong developed what would become her trademark "feather-like" dance style, making even the most powerful movements appear effortless. Her ability to utilize her joints fully and embody rhythm naturally became defining characteristics of her performances. This unique approach to movement would later contribute significantly to ITZY's dynamic performance style.

The intensive training at various academies helped shape not just her technical abilities but also her artistic expression. Her early exposure to different dance styles and rigorous training regimens laid the groundwork for her future role as one of the most acclaimed dancers in fourth-generation K-pop girl groups.

The Path Through Survival Shows

Survival shows played a pivotal role in shaping Chaeryeong's path to stardom, beginning with her appearance on SBS' "K-pop Star Season 3" in 2013. Alongside her sister Lee Chaeyeon, she captured viewers' attention with their extraordinary talent and endearing presence, leading to both sisters joining JYP Entertainment as trainees in May 2014.

K-pop Star 3 Experience

At just eleven years old, Chaeryeong's first taste of the spotlight came through K-pop Star 3. Despite being eliminated before the live broadcasts, her potential caught the eye of industry professionals, particularly JYP Entertainment's scouts who recognized both sisters' exceptional abilities.

SIXTEEN's Impact on Her Growth

In 2015, Chaeryeong faced perhaps her most challenging test - participating in JYP's survival show "SIXTEEN". The show, which would ultimately form the girl group TWICE, tested contestants not only on their performing abilities but also their charisma and personality. Notable Challenges included:

Despite reaching the finale, Chaeryeong faced elimination in the last episode. This setback, though difficult, would prove instrumental in her development as an artist.

Lessons Learned from Early Setbacks

What sets Chaeryeong's journey apart is her remarkable resilience. By 2017, she remained one of only two eliminated SIXTEEN contestants still with JYP Entertainment. When her fellow contestant Jeon Somi departed in 2018, Chaeryeong became the sole remaining trainee from SIXTEEN at the company.

Her persistence through this period demonstrated extraordinary determination:

This period of waiting and continuous improvement would ultimately lead to her debut with ITZY, proving that her journey through survival shows, though challenging, was instrumental in forging her into the performer she would become.

Evolution as ITZY's Main Dancer

Since her debut with ITZY in 2019, Chaeryeong has established herself as one of K-pop's most distinctive dancers, known for her fluid movements and precise execution. As the group's lead dancer, she consistently delivers performances that combine technical excellence with artistic expression.

Debut Performance Analysis

From ITZY's first appearance, Chaeryeong's dance style set her apart through its distinctive fluidity. She approaches each performance by internalizing the music, carefully tailoring her movements to match the volume, beat, and overall atmosphere of each song. This attention to detail has contributed significantly to ITZY's reputation as one of the strongest dance groups in the current K-pop landscape.

Signature Dance Moves and Style

Chaeryeong's dance repertoire includes several iconic moves that have become synonymous with ITZY's performance identity:

• The "Crown Dance" - A signature move featuring intricate hand formations that symbolizes ITZY's bold persona

• The "Shoulder Dance" - A complex movement requiring precise control and isolation, which she has helped popularize through tutorial videos

Her style is characterized by what dance critics describe as "water-like" movements, where each transition flows seamlessly into the next. This fluidity, combined with her technical precision, has earned her recognition as ITZY's fluid dancer, setting her apart from her groupmates who each bring their own unique styles to performances.

Contribution to ITZY's Dance Identity

Chaeryeong's influence on ITZY's dance identity extends beyond her individual performances. In group choreographies, she helps maintain the balance between power and grace, particularly evident in songs like "Not Shy" and "Loco". Her expertise has been instrumental in establishing ITZY's reputation for complex choreographies that showcase both individual talents and group synchronization.

As she continues to evolve, Chaeryeong remains focused on growth and improvement. "I don't think I've grown up fully," she noted in a recent interview, expressing excitement about her future development as a performer. This mindset of continuous improvement has helped shape ITZY's approach to performance, where each comeback brings new challenges and opportunities to showcase their expanding capabilities.

Technical Excellence and Artistry

Mastering the delicate balance between technical precision and artistic expression, Chaeryeong's dance prowess has earned her recognition as one of K-pop's most accomplished performers. Her unique approach to movement sets her apart in an industry known for its high performance standards.

Dance Style Breakdown

Chaeryeong's signature style is characterized by what dance experts describe as "water-like" movements, where each transition flows seamlessly into the next. Her technical excellence is evident in several key areas:

Performance Versatility

While maintaining her characteristic fluidity, Chaeryeong demonstrates remarkable versatility across different dance styles. She excels at adapting her movements to match the volume, beat, and overall atmosphere of each performance. Her adaptability shines through in ITZY's diverse concepts, from powerful hip-hop sequences to more elegant contemporary pieces.

Industry professionals have noted that Chaeryeong's technical proficiency allows her to maintain clarity in her movements while executing complex choreographies. This skill particularly stands out in ITZY's challenging routines, where she consistently delivers clean lines and precise formations without sacrificing artistic expression.

Practice and Preparation Methods

Behind her polished performances lies a rigorous preparation process. Chaeryeong's approach to practice involves deep internalization of music, allowing her to tailor each movement to the specific elements of a song. Her dedication to perfecting even the smallest details has contributed to ITZY's reputation for exceptional performance quality.

The young dancer's commitment to improvement remains unwavering, as evidenced by her continuous focus on technical refinement. While she possesses natural talent, it's her methodical approach to practice and preparation that has helped establish her as a standout performer in the fourth generation of K-pop. Her influence extends beyond personal achievement, contributing significantly to ITZY's recognition as one of the strongest dance groups in contemporary K-pop.

Impact on K-pop Dance Culture

Chaeryeong's distinctive dance style has left an indelible mark on the K-pop industry, transforming expectations for girl group performances. When ITZY debuted, they revolutionized the landscape by introducing choreography that matched the intensity traditionally associated with boy groups, setting new standards for future generations.

Influence on Fourth Generation Dancers

ITZY's impact on fourth-generation K-pop has been transformative, with their choreography becoming a benchmark for excellence. Their performances at major events, such as the 2021 MAMA Awards, showcase their evolution from "super rookies" to industry leaders. The group's ability to execute complex formations while maintaining precise synchronization has inspired a new generation of performers to push their boundaries.

Social Media Dance Trends

Chaeryeong's influence extends beyond traditional performances into the digital realm, where her dance challenges frequently go viral. Notable examples include:

Her dance content consistently generates significant engagement, with fans and aspiring dancers alike attempting to recreate her fluid movements and precise executions.

Recognition from Industry Professionals

Professional dancers and choreographers have consistently acknowledged Chaeryeong's exceptional abilities. She is widely recognized as one of the best dancers of her generation, with industry experts particularly noting:

Technical Excellence:

The group's innovative approach to choreography, led by dancers like Chaeryeong, has effectively "transformed the landscape and raised the standards" for what audiences expect from K-pop performances. Their influence continues to shape the evolution of dance in the industry, inspiring both current and upcoming artists to elevate their performance quality.

Personal Growth and Future Aspirations

Through years of dedication and perseverance, Chaeryeong's journey in ITZY has been marked by significant personal growth and evolving aspirations. Her transformation from a talented yet reserved performer to a confident artist showcases the power of determination and self-discovery.

Overcoming Performance Anxiety

Despite her exceptional technical abilities, Chaeryeong has faced her share of challenges with confidence and stage presence. Early in her career, she struggled with self-doubt, particularly regarding her performances. However, her growth became evident as she worked through these challenges, developing what her groupmates describe as a "sensual and attractive" stage presence that sets her apart.

The Power of Team Support ITZY's collaborative environment has played a crucial role in Chaeryeong's development. The group's emphasis on individual growth while maintaining strong team dynamics has helped her build confidence. As noted by her fellow members, "It's not an individual stage. It's ITZY's stage," highlighting how their collective support system strengthens each performer.

Goals as a Dancer

Chaeryeong's aspirations extend beyond technical excellence to creating meaningful connections through dance. Her current goals include:

Her commitment to growth is evident in her participation as a dance mentor in various shows, including "Universe Ticket" and "Mnet Reboot", where she shares her expertise with the next generation of performers.

Vision for Dance Innovation

Looking toward the future, Chaeryeong envisions pushing the boundaries of K-pop dance. She has demonstrated this through her work in various TV shows and creative projects, where she consistently brings fresh perspectives to choreography and performance.

Her artistic vision is deeply rooted in authenticity and personal expression. "I've noticed that my best self shines and my smile radiates while I'm dancing on stage," reflects her philosophy of finding genuine joy in performance. This approach has not only shaped her personal style but has also influenced ITZY's dynamic performance identity.

Through her journey, Chaeryeong has discovered that "confidence and self-belief are key to showcasing charm on stage". This realization has become fundamental to her approach to both performance and personal growth, driving her to continuously evolve as an artist while staying true to her authentic self.

FAQS

Fans and industry observers often have questions about Chaeryeong's journey and development as an artist. Here are some frequently asked questions that provide insight into her growth and experiences.

Q: How did Chaeryeong maintain her confidence during challenging times? During her early career, Chaeryeong faced significant confidence challenges, particularly while preparing for her debut with ITZY. She revealed that her confidence was severely impacted when someone attempted to prevent her debut. However, she maintained her resilience through consistent practice and the support of her group members.

Q: What changed in Chaeryeong's confidence journey? Interestingly, Chaeryeong shared that she was initially very confident during her school years. She noted, "When I was in elementary school, I thought I was the prettiest; during high school, many people asked for my number". This confidence shifted during her pre-debut period, leading to a period of personal growth and self-discovery.

Q: How does Chaeryeong handle public perception? She approaches public interactions with careful consideration, always trying to think of others first. However, she has experienced challenges when her sincerity is misinterpreted as sarcasm. This has led her to develop a more balanced approach to managing public perception while staying true to herself.

Q: What is Chaeryeong's approach to personal growth? Her growth philosophy centers on authenticity and continuous improvement. As shared in a candid interview with Lee Young Ji, she acknowledges that it's normal to care about others' opinions while maintaining self-worth. Her mentor advised her to remember that "you're an amazing person," a mantra she now embraces.

Q: How does Chaeryeong balance sensitivity with professional demands? While she admits to being sensitive to others' attention, Chaeryeong has developed coping mechanisms that allow her to:

Q: What role does mentoring play in Chaeryeong's career? Beyond her own growth, Chaeryeong has embraced opportunities to mentor others, sharing her experiences and technical expertise. She emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and maintaining sincerity in all interactions.