The Rise of Kazuha: How a Ballerina Became a Kpop Sensation

The graceful movements of classical ballet and the dynamic energy of K-pop might seem worlds apart, yet LE SSERAFIM's Kazuha has masterfully bridged this artistic divide. Her transformation from a professional ballerina to a rising K-pop star represents one of the industry's most unique success stories.

As the K-pop industry continues to evolve, with new groups debuting and concerts planned throughout 2024, Kazuha's journey stands out as a testament to the changing landscape of idol training. Her story challenges traditional paths to K-pop stardom, proving that success can come from unexpected backgrounds.

From Ballet Prodigy to K-pop Trainee

Kazuha's journey in performing arts began at the tender age of three when her mother enrolled her in ballet classes near their home in Osaka. What started as casual lessons soon evolved into a serious pursuit of professional ballet, leading to an impressive fifteen-year dedication to the art form.

Early ballet training and achievements

Her natural talent and rigorous training at Hashimoto Sachiyo Ballet School & Jr in Japan laid the foundation for her future success. Kazuha's dedication bore fruit when she earned a Silver medal at the Asian Grand Prix Competition - Junior's Division in 2018. Her exceptional abilities were further showcased when she was selected as the soloist for "Pa Quita" and secured a main role in "Fragment" by choreographer Jace Przybylowicz.

Life at prestigious ballet academies

Kazuha's ballet journey took her across the globe to some of the world's most elite institutions:

• The Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow, Russia

• The Royal Ballet School in the UK (accepting only 16 students per intake)

• The Dutch National Ballet Academy in the Netherlands

Her talent reached new heights when choreographer Rudivan Dantzig chose her to perform in the "Romeo & Juliet" season performance. This achievement highlighted her status as one of the most accomplished ballet performers to ever transition into the K-pop industry.

The pivotal moment of career change

The turning point in Kazuha's career came unexpectedly through her exposure to K-pop. Her first encounter with BLACKPINK's "Boombayah" music video left her mesmerized, offering a glimpse into a different form of artistic expression. Despite her successful ballet career, she found herself questioning her long-term aspirations: "The more I did ballet, the more I wondered if it was what I wanted to focus my life exclusively on".

The COVID-19 pandemic became an unexpected catalyst for change. With reduced ballet classes and more time for reflection, Kazuha made the bold decision to pursue a new dream. She submitted an audition video to Source Music, incorporating both her ballet expertise and a choreographed version of BTS's "Dynamite". This courageous step would soon lead her to become a member of one of the most promising kpop girl groups.

The Challenging Transition Period

Transitioning from a prestigious ballet career to the dynamic world of K-pop presented Kazuha with unprecedented challenges. After being personally scouted by HYBE founder Bang Si-hyuk, she embarked on an intensive journey that would test her adaptability and determination.

Learning Korean language and culture

As one of LE SSERAFIM's Japanese members, Kazuha faced the immediate challenge of mastering a new language. Unlike her groupmate Sakura, who had previous Korean language experience, Kazuha started from scratch when she became a trainee. Her dedication to learning Korean became evident as she progressed from basic communication to confidently performing in the language and engaging in variety shows.

Adapting dance styles from ballet to K-pop

The transition from ballet to K-pop choreography proved particularly challenging. "The straight lines of ballet movements are built into her after 15 years of doing them, and it must've been really hard for her to break out of all of them at once," noted performance director Park So Yeon. Just three days into her training in Korea, Kazuha experienced a breakdown during dance practice, yet demonstrated her professionalism by practicing choreography independently to avoid burdening her teammates.

Compressed training timeline

Kazuha's journey stands unique in K-pop history, marking the shortest training period across all HYBE groups. Her compressed timeline presented several challenges:

• Intensive Korean language acquisition

• Rapid adaptation to K-pop dance fundamentals

• Learning idol industry protocols

• Building chemistry with established group members

Despite these hurdles, Kazuha's determination prevailed. The company initially expressed concerns about her ability to adapt to life as part of the debut team, given the language barriers and cultural differences. However, her professional ballet background and unwavering motivation proved instrumental in overcoming these obstacles. "I thought that, while being a ballerina was an attractive option, what I do now would open up more opportunities for me to follow my dreams," she reflected on her journey.

Transferable Skills from Ballet to K-pop

While the transition from ballet to K-pop presented unique challenges, Kazuha's classical training provided her with valuable advantages in her new career. The fundamental skills developed through years of ballet training have proven instrumental in shaping her distinctive performance style within LE SSERAFIM.

Body control and flexibility advantages

The extensive ballet training has gifted Kazuha with exceptional body control and flexibility that sets her apart in K-pop choreography. Her ability to maintain perfect balance and execute precise movements stems from years of practicing on pointe shoes. While ballet dancers sometimes struggle with stiffness in K-pop routines, Kazuha's understanding of body mechanics allows her to adapt her movements effectively.

Performance discipline and stage presence

Years of ballet training instilled crucial performance qualities that translate seamlessly to K-pop:

• Precise attention to choreographic details

• Understanding of spatial awareness

• Ability to maintain synchronization with group formations

• Strong stage presence and performance endurance

As noted in professional assessments, "K-pop dance is defined by its high energy and sense of performance". Kazuha's ballet background particularly shines in maintaining clean lines and executing synchronized movements, essential elements in both ballet corps work and K-pop group choreography.

Understanding music and rhythm

The relationship between music and movement in ballet has provided Kazuha with a strong foundation for K-pop performance. "You have to move your body a bit differently, but I think it's similar in that you have to be good at the basics". This understanding helps her grasp complex K-pop choreographies, despite their different stylistic requirements.

Her approach to learning new choreography reflects her classical training, as she focuses on mastering fundamental movements before adding stylistic elements. This methodical approach, while sometimes requiring additional practice time, ensures clean execution and professional-quality performances. The precision demanded in ballet has equipped her with an acute awareness of musical timing and rhythm, essential for K-pop's intricate choreographies.

Debut Success with LE SSERAFIM

LE SSERAFIM's debut in May 2022 marked a groundbreaking moment in K-pop history, with their first EP "FEARLESS" breaking multiple records and establishing new benchmarks for debut girl groups. The group's unique concept and fresh approach to K-pop performance immediately set them apart in the industry.

Impact of ballet background on group dynamics

Kazuha's ballet expertise has significantly influenced LE SSERAFIM's choreography, particularly evident in performances of "Blue Flame" and "ANTIFRAGILE" where ballet elements were specifically incorporated to showcase her unique background. The group's choreographers strategically integrate classical dance elements that highlight both Kazuha's flexibility and the group's synchronized precision.

Unique performance style and contributions

The fusion of ballet and K-pop in LE SSERAFIM's performances has created a distinctive style that sets them apart from other rookie groups. Their debut showcased:

• Clean, refreshing concepts without relying on grand gestures

• Mesmerizing vocals complemented by sophisticated choreography

• Organic talent display through minimalist staging

Their debut single "FEARLESS" garnered particular attention for its single-toned production and crisp percussion, allowing viewers to focus on the members' vocal abilities and dance execution. The group's success was immediate, with their debut album achieving the highest first-day sales record for a new girl group.

Fan reception and recognition

The public response to LE SSERAFIM's debut was overwhelming, with their music video accumulating over 25 million views in just two days. Kazuha's unique background as a professional ballerina generated significant buzz online, with fans particularly appreciating her ability to bridge the gap between classical dance and K-pop choreography.

The group's innovative approach to performance has earned them recognition beyond traditional K-pop metrics. Their debut EP topped international iTunes charts, while Kazuha's elegant approach to dance, stemming from her ballet background, has earned praise from both fans and industry professionals alike. Her ability to incorporate classical elements while maintaining K-pop's dynamic energy has contributed significantly to LE SSERAFIM's distinctive image.

Breaking Industry Stereotypes

The landscape of K-pop is undergoing a significant transformation, with traditional training methods giving way to more diverse pathways to success. Kazuha's unprecedented journey represents a striking departure from the conventional K-pop training system, challenging long-held industry norms.

Challenging traditional idol training paths

In an industry where trainees typically spend years honing their skills, Kazuha's direct entry into LE SSERAFIM marks the shortest training period in HYBE's history. Unlike the conventional path where trainees face years of intensive preparation, she underwent just six months of focused training before debut. This departure from tradition demonstrates the industry's evolving approach to talent development.

Inspiring non-traditional career transitions

The success of non-traditional debuts is reshaping industry perspectives. Key changes in the K-pop landscape include:

• Increased international recruitment and auditions

• Recognition of diverse professional backgrounds

• Evolution of training methodologies

• Emphasis on unique individual talents

This transformation extends beyond individual success stories. The industry has witnessed a significant shift in how companies approach talent development, with major global music corporations like Sony, Universal Music Group, and Virgin Records actively participating in the K-pop market.

Redefining success in K-pop

The metrics for success in K-pop are evolving beyond traditional measures. Recent analysis from Daiwa Securities reveals a notable shift from bulk album purchasing to more sustainable fan engagement practices. This transformation indicates a broader change in how success is measured, moving away from:

"The competitive buying to spike first-week sales is on a decline, with a rise in 'light' fandom, where fan activities are pursued as hobbies".

The industry's adaptation to these changes is evident in how groups like LE SSERAFIM approach performance and fan engagement. Their success demonstrates that breaking industry stereotypes can lead to innovative approaches in artist development and fan interaction. The group's ability to challenge gender stereotypes in fashion and performance further exemplifies how modern K-pop groups are pushing boundaries beyond traditional constraints.

This evolution in the industry has created opportunities for artists with diverse backgrounds to make their mark in K-pop, suggesting a future where success is measured not just by traditional metrics, but by the unique value each performer brings to the industry.

Cultural Impact and Future Prospects

Kazuha's remarkable journey from ballet to K-pop represents more than just a personal achievement; it symbolizes the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry. As the first Japanese member of a HYBE Labels girl group, her presence has created ripples of change throughout the K-pop ecosystem.

Influence on aspiring performers

Kazuha's success has opened doors for performers with non-traditional backgrounds. Her journey demonstrates that excellence in any performing art can translate into K-pop success, challenging the notion that only traditional trainee paths lead to stardom. As noted in industry observations, "Kazuha's presence in LE SSERAFIM represents a significant milestone for Japanese representation in the K-pop industry".

The impact of her transition extends beyond individual inspiration, as evidenced by:

• Increased interest from classical performers in K-pop

• Growing acceptance of diverse training backgrounds

• Enhanced focus on artistic versatility in idol development

Expanding possibilities in K-pop industry

The industry's evolution is reflected in LE SSERAFIM's approach to performance and artistry. The group deliberately challenges status quo expectations, demonstrating that authenticity can coexist with idol standards. Kazuha's unique background has contributed to this transformation, bringing classical elements into contemporary K-pop choreography.

Global recognition and opportunities

Kazuha's growing influence extends beyond performance, as demonstrated by her expanding portfolio:

• Secured position as main model for 'ETUDE' in 2022

• Became brand muse for 'LADOR' in 2023

• Contributed to LE SSERAFIM's global recognition

Looking ahead, Kazuha has expressed her commitment to continued growth: "Since I've just started my journey as a K-pop idol, I want to show fans my continuous improvement". Her dedication to bridging cultures while maintaining artistic integrity positions her as a pioneering figure in the industry's global expansion.

The fusion of her ballet expertise with K-pop's dynamic energy has created new possibilities for artistic expression in the industry. As LE SSERAFIM continues to gain international recognition, Kazuha's unique background serves as a testament to the evolving nature of K-pop, where diverse talents and experiences contribute to the genre's global appeal.