We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Daeun Cho. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Daeun below.

Daeun, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

For me, the moment I knew I wanted to pursue a creative path professionally came during my teenage years in Seoul, South Korea. Growing up in such a bustling and culturally rich city, I was constantly surrounded by artistic influences, including the vibrant K-pop scene that was everywhere. The music, choreography, and energy of K-pop deeply inspired me.

I began performing freestyle-ish dance in front of my classmates during school events. The first time I danced in front of an audience, I felt an exhilarating rush of happiness and connection. The applause, the smiles, and the energy from the crowd were addictive. I realized that performing wasn’t just about the dance itself; it was about the shared experience and the joy it brought to both me and the audience.

Throughout my school years, including college, I continued to dance at every opportunity. Each performance, whether in school talent shows or impromptu sessions with friends, reaffirmed my love for dance. By the time I was a freshman in college, I knew I had to pursue this passion more seriously.

During this time, I was deeply influenced by some incredible dancers: Waackxxxy, Lip J, Wacoon, Jaesang, and Princess Lockerooo. Waackxxxy, Lip J, and Wacoon trained me and honed my Waacking skills. After moving to NYC in 2019 to immerse myself in the international dance scene, I had the opportunity to train directly with Princess Lockerooo. Her guidance was transformative, offering invaluable advice and shaping my approach to the dance.

In 2022, I joined Princess Lockerooo’s dance company, Fabulous Waack Dancers. This experience opened up numerous performance opportunities, including shows at Lincoln Center and the Guggenheim. Through her, I also had the chance to take workshops with amazing dancers like Brian Green, Akuma Diva from Taiwan, Bou Bou from France, and Rina from New Zealand.

When it came time to choose a career path, I knew there was no other option for me. Pursuing a creative profession in dance wasn’t just a choice; it was a calling. The journey hasn’t always been easy, but the joy and fulfillment I get from performing and sharing my art make it all worthwhile.

Daeun, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Daeun Cho, also known as Onjay in the dance world. I grew up in Seoul, South Korea, where I was heavily influenced by K-pop and found my love for freestyle dance during my school years. Dance became my passion early on, and I started performing in front of audiences as a freshman. There’s something about the energy and connection I feel on stage that has always driven me.

In 2019, I moved to New York City to immerse myself in the global dance scene and find more inspiration. After completing a three-year program at Peridance’s Independent Program, I had the opportunity to train with some of the most talented dancers and teachers. My biggest inspirations in Waacking, a dance style I specialize in, include Waackxxxy, Lip J, Wacoon, Jaesang, and Princess Lockerooo. They have not only shaped my technique but also my mindset as a performer. Princess Lockerooo, in particular, has been pivotal in my growth, allowing me to perform at venues like Jacob’s Pillow, Lincoln Center and the Guggenheim, and introducing me to international dance legends through her workshops.

What sets me apart is my deep-rooted connection to Waacking and my dedication to sharing its history and evolution with new audiences. Through my work with Princess Lockerooo’s Fabulous Waack Dancers, I’ve been able to bring this art form to life in ways that resonate with people, whether they’re dance enthusiasts or new to the scene. I also teach, choreograph, and perform, with a focus on empowering others to find their own unique style and expression.

I’m most proud of my journey—from Seoul to New York City—and how I’ve carved a space for myself in the dance world while staying true to my roots. My goal is to inspire others, especially the next generation of dancers, by showing them that creativity and hard work can open doors to incredible opportunities. Alongside my journey in freestyle dance and Waacking, one of my key goals is to break into Broadway as a dancer, incorporating Waacking into mainstream productions. I also aim to succeed in the commercial industries, which will allow me to not only showcase my skills but also create better opportunities for both my peers and the next generation of dancers. By bridging these worlds, I hope to uplift my community and pave the way for others to thrive in diverse dance settings.

What I want people to know about me is that my work is all about expression, connection, and pushing boundaries—not just for myself but for everyone I collaborate with or teach.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

In terms of key influences, Tyrone Proctor, the father of Waacking, has had a significant impact on my approach to dance. His legacy and teachings continue to inspire how I interpret and push the boundaries of Waacking in my performances. In addition to Tyrone Proctor’s influence, Princess Lockerooo has been another major force in my journey. Her mentorship has shaped my mindset, both in terms of dance and navigating the industry, and she has provided me with numerous opportunities to perform and grow as an artist.

I’ve also been heavily influenced by dance and performance movies like “Honey,” “Step Up,” “Street Dance,” “Burlesque,” “Chicago,” and “Mamma Mia.” These films ignited my passion for dance early on and shaped my music preferences. The fusion of storytelling, choreography, and music in these movies helped me understand the emotional and creative power of dance.

Additionally, I continuously draw inspiration from international dancers through reels and social media content. Watching how different dancers from around the world move to diverse styles of music keeps me trend-sensitive and exposes me to new techniques, which helps me evolve my own body coordination and musicality across various genres. This constant flow of fresh ideas helps me stay relevant and open-minded in my work.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

A story that truly illustrates my resilience starts before I even moved to New York City. In Korea, many of my peers who practiced Waacking had majored in dance or practical dance in college. Since I didn’t follow that traditional path and started my training at the age of 19, I often felt overlooked and even isolated. Most dancers had their own friend groups, and as someone outside of those circles, it was difficult to fit in. It was lonely at times, but I didn’t let those feelings hold me back. I kept training and pushing myself, determined to carve out my own path.

When I moved to NYC in 2019, things were looking up until about six months later when the global pandemic hit. The lockdowns and restrictions slowed down my dance life significantly, halting opportunities to perform, connect, and grow. It was a hard period of uncertainty, but instead of losing momentum, I found ways to keep evolving—training at home, staying connected online, and continuing to improve myself.

I’ve faced moments of doubt and isolation, but I’ve learned that resilience comes from continuing to move forward, even when the circumstances aren’t ideal. Today, looking back at both those early challenges in Korea and the setbacks in NYC, I’m proud of how far I’ve come. They’ve only made me stronger.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onjay__majesty
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/daeun-cho-53a463255
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWH2P1DJnZjhzAienQ2dfR_CLRmOKRFTw
• Other: https://linktr.ee/onjaycho

Image Credits

Liz Schneider-Cohen