Do you have a favorite dance practice video from back in the day? 

These days, the conventional K-Pop dance practice is less of an impromptu rehearsal video and more of a polished final cut. While some groups and idols continue to release practice videos that align with what we’ve seen in the past, it’s more common now to see videos with impressive sets and camera work. Some videos go beyond simply being “practice” and can serve as “dance” or “performance” versions of the official video release. 

While these videos are amazing and show how industry conventions have shifted, a little nostalgia for the “old school” doesn't hurt! 

SHINee “Lucifer” Dance Practice

Any video shot in the original SM Entertainment practice room, memorable for its distinct sky and cloud-patterned wallpaper, is worthy of a place on this list. However, SHINee’s “Lucifer” dance practice absolutely takes the cake (blame the SHAWOL in me). SHINee is credited with being one of the first groups to intentionally post an official “dance practice” video, manifesting a trend in the industry that has lasted indefinitely. While their debut track “Replay” was the first song to receive a dance practice, “Lucifer” is the one that remains iconic and well-known to this day. Key’s apple hair, Taemin’s shirt providing special effects, and of course SHINee’s incredible precision have stood the test of time.

BTS “쩔어 (DOPE)” Dance Practice

BTS was on a roll in this era; following the success of “I NEED U,” “쩔어 (DOPE)” was an impressive finale to a turning point in their careers. The music video was a spectacle thanks to its “one-take” filming style and random collection of costumes adorned by the members. Yet, the dance practice showed the unfiltered intricacies of one of the group's most high-energy choreographies. BTS is well-known for many things, and their incredible dancing should fall in line. 

EXO “Monster” Dance Practice

EXO seemed to carry on the SM legacy by releasing another memorable video with their “Monster” dance practice. While the video is theatrical in its own right – dynamic camera work, dramatic lighting – it still maintains those organic elements of the O.G. dance practice. 

2NE1 “I AM THE BEST” Dance Practice

This self-proclaimed “uncut” dance practice is a video that really captures the atmosphere of the second-generation leaders that were 2NE1. 2NE1 was known for being unique in their own way, and this equal-parts effortless and confident rehearsal shows it. It’s also pretty endearing to see the amount of Blackjacks that came to revisit this video within the last year following the group’s Coachella reunion. 

INFINITE “BTD (Before The Dawn)” Dance Practice

We couldn't make a list like this without mentioning the original “Kings of Synchronization,” INFINITE. This dance featured many excellent moments, including the highlight of it all, the Scorpion Dance. The flawless execution of the dance was chill-inducing, especially since all members had to perform the physically challenging move simultaneously. Watching this one practice might send you down the rabbit hole of all of INFINITE’s other, equally impressive dance videos. 

Edited by Vivian N.