It’s time once again for someone who knows next to nothing about dance to rank his favorite dances of the year. As usual, I tend to prefer quirky, iconic moves to technically difficult material. The thing is, the vast majority of idol choreo has become so polished that it’s hard to choose which routines are most difficult or demanding. So instead, here are ten dances that stuck out to me this year.
2025 END-OF-YEAR MASTERPOST
Honorable Mentions:
BOYNEXTDOOR – If I Say, I Love You
Jennie – Like Jennie
NEXZ – Beat-Boxer
izna – Mamma Mia
The only part most viewers probably remember is the iconic shirt lift, but the entire routine is light on its feet and well-suited to the song’s summery vibe.
Boy band bluster is a dime a dozen in K-pop, but it really only works for me with a quirky sense of humor. Push Back‘s movements are fast and colorful, adding playful character to the song’s swagger.
Focus‘s choreo utilizes the group’s large configuration well, splitting into smaller units multiple times before bringing everyone back together. The rapid-fire arm movements are hypnotic.
I mean, just look at that iconic intro pose! Like the song itself, N.I.N‘s choreo feels like classic K-pop, pulling out the tricks and triumphs we know and love.
The dance for this subdued track surprised me. It has more energy than it has any right to! I particularly love the pre-chorus, where the moves feel like they’re locking into place. It’s such a nice compliment to the music.
ILLIT have become masters of catchy choreo, spawning trend after trend. Do The Dance is particularly whimsical, finding a nice balance of frenetic and fluid.
XLOV have become known for their striking visuals, and the flip that opens this routine certainly catches attention. The rest of the choreo blends and upends gender norms in just the way you’d hope. They are arresting to watch.
Rendezvous is all about configuration. The choreo provides multiple highlights that focus on one or two members, then brings everyone in sync for a super-rousing finale that matches the intensity of the song’s climax.
The choreo’s point move has spawned the popular “angtal challenge,” automatically making this one of the group’s most iconic routines. But outside of that obvious highlight, the moves are big and bold. The guys are pointing, flipping… exclaiming. It’s so much fun to watch.
My top choreo each year tends to be quirky rather than technically difficult. These are the dances that stick in memory and become synonymous with a song. Spaghetti is full of iconography. The crouched pose that opens the track is fierce, but I absolutely love the vomiting motion during the chorus. Who even thinks to do that in a K-pop dance? The sheer audacity totally wins me over.