May 14, 2020

Meet Miranda Manley of Kpop Class/ ERA Kpop Performance Group in Tempe

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Miranda Manley.

Miranda, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Being a trained dancer in Ballet, Modern, Hip Hop, Tap, Jazz, and Lyrical, my mind was pretty open to learning as many styles of dance as possible. When I discovered Kpop in 2011, I was mesmerized by the style and choreography that was put into the music videos. I was instantly drawn to the catchy lyrics and movement that pulled me in. From then on, I was a fan. Though I continued to train and take hip hop and heels classes that made me feel sexy, there were some days I wanted to feel “cute” like a Kpop star. So I thought, “I can take classes to feel like a sexy woman in heels, but I really feel like taking a class that makes me feel younger and sweet.” I looked around and didn’t find that option until I got the courage to start a Kpop class myself.

It was a lot of trial and error (as most new things are) but after taking a break to revaluate what I needed to do to create a Kpop class (and getting some encouragement from my friends to get out there again) I was able to lay a stronger foundation for what type of class I wanted. It has been a year of my Kpop classes and I have wonderful students of all ages who attend monthly. My goal is to continue to offer my classes and to grow as a dance instructor. I aim to create a class that people not only look forward to attending but to create strong friendships with other Kpop fans and walk out of class feeling proud of themselves with their shoulders a little more back and a smile on their face.

Has it been a smooth road?
It has been a lot of trial and error. Growing up in a dance studio and learning to choreograph my own dances, I started with that. Although I enjoyed choreographing, I realized that in this case, Kpop was different. The movement is meant to be catchy and makes the viewer want to learn the dances that they are doing. Kpop covers are very popular and it shows the time and dedication the dancer put into it to match their Kpop idols. So I started learning the official choreography and teaching that so the fans can learn their favorite Kpop dances and be able to do it when they hear that song come on. My class started with 1-2 people but has grown to almost 40. It took a lot of revaluation and time to find ways to improve myself and the class.

Please tell us about Kpop Class/ ERA Kpop Performance Group.
My Kpop (Korean Pop) class is unique because it’s open to all ages and levels. We have trained dancers who have been dancing for 10+ years to beginners all coming together and learning the same choreography. I would say the class has 11 years old – 30 years old all sharing the same interest. They cheer each other on when they take turns dancing out on the floor and the energy is awesome.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Tempe is a great place for business and to visit. It’s a lively city with many things to do and see.

Pricing:

Monthly Kpop class is 10.00 cash drop in

Contact Info:

Address: 1835 E University Dr
Unit 7
Tempe, AZ 85281
United States
Zroom Dance and Fitness
Instagram: @mirandancer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mirandancer/

Image Credit:
Class pictures taken by Charlie Russell (@marmalademarmalade); Pic of me: @laophotography

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Meet Tempe Series Sponsor:

Chef Derek Upton: I am a professional camnabis chef being featured on a brand new Netflix show called Cooked With Cannabis being release April 20th 2020. I am aiming to redefine cannabis and show what it could be in the world.