Most students leave campus when the final bell rings, but for Kollision, the work is just beginning. As the president and vice president, Mina Tran and Natalie Maldonado, work hard to lead the group, the dancers are preparing to perfect their dances.
Kollision is a student-led group that performs covers of K-pop choreography at the school, created to give everyone a chance to be included regardless of experience. The group rehearses in the fine arts building every Tuesday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. and records routines to post on their Youtube channel, Kollisiondance8142.
“Kollision is a group where we work together to recreate [dances] to certain K-pop songs,” junior Colleen Dunbar said. “We always practice a dance on our own, and then we all dance together so we can help each other refine it.”
The group was created by students who shared an interest in dance and K-pop and wanted a space to practice and perform together. Practices focus on learning choreography, adjusting formations and syncing movements so each routine comes together as a group effort. These dancers often break down the sections step by step themselves before running full routines together. Performances give members a chance to showcase their work and apply what they have practiced in rehearsal.
“We’re definitely friendly, but we also have very good leaders,” Dunbar said. “It’s really fun. We always have a good time, we worked well as a big group for the big group dance we did.”
Beyond the choreography, relationships play a major role in shaping the group. Members build friendships during rehearsals by working through difficult sections together and supporting one another. The senior officers, Mina and Natalie, help guide practices by breaking down routines and helping dancers improve while encouraging teamwork. They set the tone, and their guidance helps the group move as a unit and strengthens every performance.
“We have different types of cultures we get into, and one of them was K-pop obviously, so I really got engaged,” senior Mina Tran said.
Kollision brings the culture behind the music to life. By performing at school events, the Kollision introduces classmates to the energy, creativity and artistry of the genre. Their performances inspire students to explore new music and create connections across the school. In doing so, Kollision impacts the community, celebrates diversity and highlights the dedication and passion that drives the culture they love.
“In the beginning of learning the dance, they’re really fun, you’re just learning formations and stuff because [we] don’t know the dance very well yet,” Dunbar said.
Practices demand focus and energy from every member. Dancers learn routines in sections, and music is paused frequently as leaders demonstrate moves and adjust forms. The group spends hours breaking down choreography, running sections repeatedly and correcting timing or formations until the movements flow together. For the dancers, the grind of practice isn’t just about perfection, but it’s also about expressing their passion, and creating a space to express themselves. Through practice, they build confidence and discipline while embracing their individuality, turning choreography into a reflection of who they are rather than just the steps they perform.
“Never let anyone define your value, keep doing what you love,” Tran said. “No matter how many years I’ve been judged, I still do what I love, and that’s something that stuck with me and that’s something that’s helped me improve on myself as well.”
