In honor of the One Book Project, Kern County Library and Forever Young K-Pop Events collaborated on Nov 2 to host the “Can You K-Pop” Dance Showcase.

The showcase presented 25 of Kern County’s most talented dancers who showed their talents through K-Pops biggest hits and classics.

The showcase was held in the Beale Memorial Library auditorium, where the spotlight shined on each dancer allowing contestants to show their own individuality while performing lively K-Pop songs.

The event was sponsored by Korean Service Organization and Share Tea who helped assemble this event. The two sponsors are known around the community for their share of events that help spread Asian culture around Bakersfield.

An informational booth was set up at the entrance of the showcase explaining the event and what it entails. Details of the most famous K-Pop companies such as JYP, HYBE, SM and YG were given for those who wanted to explore Korean pop culture.

Kat Niko, a dancing director for a self-produced UCLA K-Pop dance team was the judge of the event, allowing dancers to gain knowledge and wisdom from her experience.

Many people filled the seats of this showcase including three special guests who came to support the Bakersfield dancers. Aaliyah Flournoy, Jonny Tran, and Kiana Tangonan who have worked with popular K-pop artists such as TXT, IU, Le SSerafim, KATSEYE, and Stray Kids.

Many talented dancers filled the stage with energetic choreography that brought the audience to life. Performances were presented, from amazing solo performances by talented dancers to Bakersfield’s own dance cover groups.

Audience members cheered and sang along to the performances as if they were seeing their favorite idols on stage showing the sense of community that music can create.

As dancers took an intermission you can capture how close the genre has made the Bakersfield community. When you look around you can see friendly faces of everyone around and the love that everyone has for music and performance.

If you have any interest in K-Pop at all or you are just looking for more friends that love it just as much as you do, make time for the local events in Bakersfield.