Thread by @JiminUncut

[Dance Analysis Thread - Black Swan Duet MMA 2020]

This exquisite performance by Jimin and Jungkook was breathtaking. It required trust, strength, grace and above all teamwork. Let’s take a look at how all those elements combined to make art.
#JIMIN #Jungkook #BlackSwan @BTS_twt

First of all, what an insane entrance! The cascade of falling dancers is so perfectly timed, not one off beat or out of place. The dancers settle into the misty waters...and then Jimin turns around with dramatic flair to start his dance. #JIMIN

With both his arms and legs held by other dancers, Jimin swoops forward to take flight. As the dancers let go of his legs, he arches his back and uses his core muscles to bring his legs up and under him. It takes tremendous strength and control. #JIMIN

During this lift, the dancers’ hands are right under #JIMIN’s armpits so his challenge is to keep his shoulders down and his core muscles tight to give the audience a majestic, relaxed look. Remember, dance is all about illusion and making things look easier than they really are!

They pull off a gorgeous floor spin here, using the water to help Jimin slide. Floor spins like these can be found in many salsa and swing dance routines. Jimin uses gravity for momentum into the spin and you can see JK turning him through the connection of their joined wrists.

You can see these swing dancers pull away from each other so the man can stay balanced as the girl leans out and uses gravity to help her into the spin. Professional dancers go even further - the girls keep their feet planted and pitch forward, only spinning at the last second.

Next Jimin does a high kick over Jungkook’s head, using the momentum to fouetté into attitude. This gets him into position for the lift. But let’s break down what that means. #JIMIN

A fouetté means to whip - ballet dancers often use these whip kicks in between pirouettes to keep themselves turning endlessly. Fun fact: a major staple of the Black Swan’s solo dance in Swan Lake is an incredible 32 fouetté turns in a row!

But fouettés can also be used to kick front as you turn to face the opposite direction. The raised leg stays in place, rotating in the hip socket so once you finish turning, it is now behind you. You can do this on a jump, or by pivoting on the ball of your foot.

cr. fleurallys

As you finish turning, you have the option to bring the back leg into attitude, which means bent. These are Italian fouettés, which first incorporate a kick to the side to build momentum and then a fouetté into attitude.

Instead of brushing the floor with his kick, Jimin kicks from the knee instead. But you can see him pivot and his back leg going into attitude to wrap around Jungkook. As he comes around, he bends his supporting leg in a plié in preparation for the lift. #JIMIN

Now this lift. Truly a work of art. Lifts require above all else, trust in your partner to be exactly where they need to be at exactly the right time. JK doesn’t miss a beat, scooping his arms under Jimin’s leg and around his waist. Then with little take off, he lifts him.

As always, BTS puts their own spin on things. In ballet, this lift is most reminiscent of the Fish. However, there are key differences. The Fish is usually done as a dip, not a spin. Notice how the dancers face down, resting on the supporting dancers’ hips.

It also bears similarities to the arabesque lift, known as a présage. But in a présage, the lifted dancer is up over the supporting dancer’s head and the supporting dancer’s arms should be locked into position to ease the strain.

These types of lifts and positions are not unique to ballet. And in figure skating, ballroom and swing styles, dancers often incorporate spins to help with the momentum of the lift. In fact, in swing dance, the Fish often goes by another name - the Swan. 😉🦢

cr. Duke Swing

It should be noted the difficulty of the lift they chose to do. Typically supporting dancers lift the other dancer to their hip, shoulder or to a locked arm position either above their head or below their hips. This gives them the most support and least strain.

But JK is holding Jimin on his chest. Imagine holding a heavy box at chest height. You have to be incredibly strong to hold it there. Also factor in that lifted dancers are usually female due to their smaller stature and weight. But JK is lifting Jimin as if it’s nothing. 💪🏻

Now let’s admire #JIMIN’s posture. As the lifted dancer, he needs to keep himself incredibly strong, his muscles tense and core tight. If he’s limp, he could throw JK off balance or become a dead weight. And yet, Jimin still manages to look incredibly soft with a calm expression.

Notice how he braces himself on JK’s arm, giving himself that much more leverage to push up and reach out, extending his line. In the Fish or Swan, dancers typically face forward, but #JIMIN resists the momentum and instead reaches back to present his chest to the audience.

We also NEED to talk about this front leg. Most dancers in this type of lift tuck their front leg into a retiré position by the knee, which naturally faces downwards. But Jimin brings it up and keeps it SO flat and level, speaking once again to his incredible strength & turn out.

Also notice how #JIMIN adjusts his posture in the middle of the spin, first reaching his arm up with a straighter back leg and then reaching more to the side as his leg curls around JK. Both positions are so beautiful and the fact he gave us BOTH of them in the same spin - WHEW.

Okay! Moving on to the gorgeous cartwheel over Jungkook’s back. He’s done this type of trick jump before unassisted - kicking up first one leg and then the other like a windmill. #JIMIN

Of course, it’s always delightful to have a nice partner base to spring off of. It also means you have to kick high behind you because your upper body can’t swing down as low. Jimin gets great momentum off his second kick, bringing him all the way around to the front. #JIMIN

And one more gorgeous lift finishes off this duet, known as a pas de deux in ballet. This is a very standard lift, the supporting dancer’s hands on the other dancer’s hips to lift them straight up and down as they jump. Important to remember - always lift from the knees! #JIMIN

What a treat this piece was. #JIMIN’s grace paired with #Jungkook’s strong partnering created a stunning masterpiece. Absolute trust was needed to pull off these moves, especially considering the wet and slippery floor. It’s a true testament to their teamwork and skill. 🤗💜🦢