Thread by @JiminUncut

[Jimin Black Swan BB Solo Dance Analysis Thread]

Jimin served us a veritable feast of choreography once again in the Black Swan Behind the Scenes Bangtan Bomb. Let’s take a closer look at some of the new moves and sequences we weren’t able to see before.

#JIMIN #지민 @BTS_twt

Having been blessed with multiple versions of Jimin’s solo dance now, it’s clear that he choreographed and perfected a few staple sequences and then freestyled to fill in some of the transitions. #JIMIN

First, let’s take a look at this iconic sequence and how well it can be adapted for the different musical versions of Black Swan. You can see from the ON:E sequence that Jimin draws it out to fit the slower music, using twice as much time for the same move in the beginning.

And let’s appreciate how Jimin’s moves emphasize different parts of the music. In ON:E the emphasis is on the very first step, that clear string of music. In the BB however, the sharp whip of Jimin’s head emphasizes the snare of music that doesn’t exist in the orchestral version.

This sequence is simply stunning and you really have to understand the mechanics behind it to understand why it’s so difficult. Simply put, Jimin’s centre of gravity is constantly changing, as is the axis of his body and the foot he’s putting his weight on. #JIMIN

Jimin lands his jump perfectly, getting his left foot behind him and into a preparatory position. This is the exact position that dancers take before going into a pirouette en dehors. Also consider that Jimin was diagonal in the air and he’s straightened himself for the landing.

This preparatory stance is fleeting however because Jimin immediately launches into his turn. He likely pushed off that back foot, but he also used the momentum from his jump. Again, that jump was on a diagonal - taming that momentum for a vertical turn is no small feat. #JIMIN

And then, at the end of the turn, watch how his left foot touches down just enough to push off. It allows his right foot to do a small jump and sink into a plié for the next move - a rond de jambe (round of the leg). #JIMIN

Again he switches his centre of gravity, leaning forward as his leg comes around. Perhaps even more notable is that he is coming out of a tight, fast turn and suddenly needs to be still, facing front and maintaining his balance. #JIMIN

And then, smooth as anything, Jimin does three quick steps to readjust his position and stick the final pose on an arched foot without a hint of imbalance. This sequence of switching feet, balance, speed and angles of rotation without one hint of struggle is simply a masterclass.

Another thing to notice in this piece is whenever Jimin’s arms spring up, light as a feather, lingering in the air as if gravity has suddenly lifted their hold on them. Jimin is fantastic at playing with tension and gravity like this. #JIMIN

We’ve seen parts of this sequence before, but not all together. It’s again incredible to see the moves weave so quickly together, every one so clean and perfectly placed. The fast-slow-fast speed of his movements make some moves sharp and others smooth and drawn out. #JIMIN

Watch closely at this part - it’s a blink and you miss it type of movement. Jimin does multiple quick muscle flexes as he throws his body forward, giving a shuddering or jerking effect to his movement. #JIMIN

This is another great movement to slow down and admire. His body line is perfect - one side pulled up as his foot on the other side sweeps in. Jimin really milks the moment before setting up for one of his trademark turns. #JIMIN

Switching to the Black Swan isn’t just a matter of costume. Jimin’s movements become more aggressive and sharp, opting for strength and speed over delicacy. Watch the difference between this pose as the White Swan vs the Black Swan. #JIMIN

Jimin starts off the Black Swan sequence with an innate sensuality, drawing the audience in before launching into a fiery dance routine that keeps your eyes glued to him for every second. Strong, quick movements are punctuated by sharp poses and perfect body lines. #JIMIN

Partially blocked by the camera, Jimin throws out two arm movements perfectly in time with the music. It’s small dance moves like these that can really enhance the original piece of music by bringing attention to certain notes or lyrics. They seem small but have a large impact.

This next move really needs to be slowed down to be appreciated. Jimin’s right leg starts the circle right at the back and his left foot jumps clean over it to let it pass and swing around in the full circle. The speed at which Jimin does it takes great coordination. #JIMIN

This is a breakdancing move known as the reverse helicopter or coffee grinder. With a regular helicopter, your leg sweeps in front of you before you hop over it. The reversed move has your leg sweeping behind and it is more difficult. Using only one hand is harder still.

Even amongst the more technical moves, Jimin never forgets his artistry. The use of his head and the weight of his steps give a staggering effect to his walk, reminiscent of his MMA scarf dance. We can’t discount how much his incredible head of hair adds to the effect either. 😭

This floor move with the slide forward had a few possibilities, one of which is to add a kick with the raised leg. Jimin decided against it here, and opted to use the momentum to get up instead. But it’s possible he decided to upgrade it for the ON:E routine... #JIMIN

The timing from this turn into the jeté is critical. If Jimin extended his leg too early, he wouldn’t get enough lift since he was still rotating in the turn. Too late and the jeté would be rushed - he might not be able to achieve the full split or land correctly for the roll.

Jimin has really mastered using momentum from jumps, rolls and turns to transition into his next moves. That momentum can be incredibly powerful, so long as you can control it and reset your axis/balance. Jimin seems to do it with ease, which you can see here again as he gets up.

A last juicy technique to finish off the routine. His arms move at the speed of light, portraying his unfurling wings. And he finishes the movement with an exaggerated pop, the power reverberating down through his fingertips. #JIMIN

As always, Jimin gives his all to deliver a completely mesmerizing performance, combining the technique, musicality and artistic interpretation of a seasoned dancer. It seems as though there are endless ways he is prepared to show us the true nature of the Black Swan. #JIMIN

Other Black Swan Dance Analyses:

Explanation of pirouette technique:

Explanation of Grand Jetés:

Explanation of Ronds de Jambe: