[Analysis Thread]

How do dancers get into character? What makes Jimin’s expression of emotion on stage so unique and powerful? #JIMIN @BTS_twt

In a previous thread, we discussed how choreography vs freestyle can affect a dancer’s interpretation of the music and dance. #JIMIN @BTS_twt https://twitter.com/jiminuncut/status/1015045377572007936?s=21

This thread will focus on how Jimin relays that interpretation to the audience with his movements, his acting and his expressions. #JIMIN @BTS_twt

Now, when dancers act on stage, they act with their entire bodies. The only voice they have is their physical movement. They need to portray everything without words and to an audience that could be sitting very far away. For this reason, many of their movements are exaggerated.

Movements need to be over the top, extended and taking up as much space as possible so the audience at a distance can see what the dancers are doing. #JIMIN @BTS_twt
cr. @mighty_jimin

Make-up is heavy so their features will stand out and facial expressions are exaggerated so the audience can distinguish them. #JIMIN @BTS_twt

Now, there’s something very unique about the kpop dance world that is usually never afforded to dancers on stage: close-up cameras. #JIMIN @BTS_twt

The presence of these cameras means Jimin’s acting can often be more subtle and natural because every small motion will be captured on film. #JIMIN @BTS_twt

This gives Jimin more range to work with and he can concentrate on drawing on real emotions for his acting instead of making them overly theatrical. #JIMIN @BTS_twt

To bring a character to life in theatre, there are two common acting methods - concentrate on the physical motions first and let the emotion naturally follow, or concentrate on the emotion first and let it be a guide for the physical motions. #JIMIN @BTS_twt

Dancers face a similar choice when expressing emotion and, as was mentioned in our previous thread, how they connect with the piece might depend on whether it’s freestyled or not, and if they are the choreographer or not. #JIMIN @BTS_twt

For Jimin, the choreography is typically done by someone else, and the physical motions are taught before he has to bring emotion into play. #JIMIN @BTS_twt

But since the members are left to individually interpret each piece, Jimin is able to create a character for himself based on the concept and add in adlibs to enhance the original blueprint. #JIMIN @BTS_twt
cr. @DaftTaengk

Concepts are extremely important to him and like a chameleon, he changes his entire body language and dance style to match them. #JIMIN @BTS_twt

For elegant pieces like Blood Sweat & Tears, Jimin’s posture is straight, his energy flowing upwards. His movements are smooth and fluid, he oozes confidence and his expressions are alluring and sultry. #JIMIN @BTS_twt

For nostalgic pieces like Spring Day, his movements are fluid, but his posture is a little more closed off, his chest guarded, as if he’s protecting it. His body language portrays pain and uncertainty. #JIMIN @BTS_twt

For harder hitting pieces like Mic Drop, Jimin drops his core DOWN as he slouches, his moves are sharper and with more power and his expression is full of attitude. #JIMIN @BTS_twt
cr. @goodday_1013

Each character he embodies on stage is different from the next. Even when they have similar themes, he draws on a different emotion. His body language shifts along with his attitude. And all of his characters are different from his true self. #JIMIN @BTS_twt

Because of his excellent acting, many people have a difficult time equating the lovable mochi off-stage to the powerful performer on-stage. Hardly any of his personal habits or quirks remain when he’s in character. Unless, of course, he wants them too. #JIMIN @BTS_twt

I should also mention the effect that make-up and styling can have aside from letting the audience see the dancer’s features more clearly. Make-up and costumes play a big role in a dancer’s ability to get into character. #JIMIN @BTS_twt

They set the whole tone and let the dancer sink into their role. Jimin himself has said that it throws him off if he’s made to dance a piece in a costume that does not fit the concept. #JIMIN @BTS_twt

And Jimin’s wardrobe has such a big effect on him that even in photo shoots and on the red carpet, he’s usually playing a role. #JIMIN @BTS_twt

Getting into character on stage is no easy feat, especially when you’re trying to remember choreography. If you haven’t practiced enough, the next move is all you’ll be focusing on and your face will show it. #JIMIN @BTS_twt

Jimin on the other hand practices like crazy. This means the moves become muscle memory and he can put his full concentration on finding his character and tapping into his emotions. And he gives us art every time. #JIMIN @BTS_twt
cr. @mighty_jimin

This thread was inspired by a conversation between myself, Chim and @rapmonstories, an experienced theatre actor. ~Cat

https://twitter.com/rapmonstories/status/1032805411114631170?s=21