K-Pop Crossover: Trillium's Janet Krupin Examines Girls' Generation's 'Paparazzi' [EXCLUSIVE]

"Broadway Girl" Janet Krupin is all about movement.

Along with Alex Caraballo, the 26-year-old singer-songwriter is one half of the electronic dance music (EDM) duo Trillium.

The Trillium vocalist recently sat down with KpopStarz to discuss the dance moves of her favorite K-pop band, Girls' Generation, in an exclusive interview. 

The dance musician is also a seasoned theater professional. Krupin was formerly the dance captain for the Broadway production "Hands On A Hardbody," featuring music by Amanda Green and Phish frontman Trey Anastasio. 

"Dance Captain is the person that keeps track of all the actor's movement onstage," Krupin explained. "The Broadway schedule is demanding, eight shows a week means you have to be a well-oiled machine."

KpopStarz asked Krupin to track the choreography for the music video for Girls' Generation's "Paparrazi."

"Girls' Generation has something other groups don't usually have. A lot of lead performers," Krupin said. "I love a good formation change, and their choreography utilizes them every time the lead vocal bounces around."

"I love the ones in Paparazzi especially. I see them use a straight line for the bridge in contrast with the more pyramid shapes in the rest of the song and it's delightful as a departure from the norm." Krupin said.

The Broadway professional immediately picked up om the Girls' Generation's nods to the Great White Way.

"Another highlight for me is the use of those pink gloves. The opening sequence using groups and different arm choreo for each section. I love the way they use angles, playing with the flat palm in the intro and then change into using fingers when the beat kicks in. It's very Fosse and who doesn't like Fosse?" Krupin asked.

The choreography connoisseur trained her critical eye on specifics.

"The triplet accents are unexpected and powerful, first in the swish swish swish of the palms and then the tick tick tick moves to the knees right before the vocal starts," she said.

"They use features really well, like when most of the group is doing one thing and an individual or small group does something else. The sequence circa 1:47 in is a great example. These are like Easter eggs in their work. Little surprise moments of story and connection. It's a terrific way to keep an audience engaged. In a big group is smart to have features work like a close-up do cinematically."

The team captain was quick to point out that choreography is more than just moves when it comes to pop groups.

"As a fan, when I watch them, I'm excited. It's invigorating to watch dancers enjoy what they're doing," she enthused.

"When I watch them from a professional perspective, I start to wonder about their rehearsal process. In such a big group, level of ability must vary, but they do a terrific job of making everyone look like they are super dancers. I also feel for their feet in videos where they're wearing heels. I loathe dancing in heels."

Tags
janet krupin
EDM
trillium
electronic dance music
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