By Hannah Rouski
The year is 2024, and Asian pop has seamlessly intertwined with Western media. You turn your car radio on and it’s playing Jungkook’s Standing Next To You, or open Netflix to One Piece dominating the trending section. The origin of this content is known, but not scrutinised, nor ridiculed the way perhaps it once was.
Let us rewind to 2017. There’s a stigma surrounding such pop culture. “Why listen to music not in a language you speak?” It’s hard to explain, just like how it’s difficult for anyone to explain why they’re drawn to their favourite interest. You feel singled out and ashamed as people question your intentions. Naturally in these times, companionship was sought, and the QUT Asian Pop Society (abbreviated to QUTAPS) was established.
With a motivation to bring a sense of community and belonging to those typically scrutinised for their niche interest, the club provided a beacon for Asian pop fans to find one another and feel content with themselves.
Over the years QUTAPS has grown its membership base to reach over three-hundred members in 2024. The club engages these members through various social events, such as games and movie nights, karaoke, social dinners and trivia, but also its dance opportunities. QUTAPS hosts weekly dance workshops, each week offering free classes to its members where they can learn choreographies of Asian pop songs. These are obvious hits, with consistent attendance throughout the year, as they are essentially introductory friendly classes that have renowned Brisbane dance teachers leading.
The opportunities exceed the classes, however, with the club offering positions in dance projects, where full songs are taught, filmed and released online. QUTAPS’ cover of New Jeans’ Super Shy garnered an exponential eighteen thousand views in just 6 months. The club also has a performance team that features at many QUT-associated events, including Welcome Week, Dragon Boat Festival and TEDxQUT.
Members are also offered the opportunity to participate in the club’s annual showcase. With a rehearsal time spanning over 4 months, members sign up for their desired pieces and go through weekly rehearsals to perfect their place in their song, mimicking the position of a Korean pop idol. Dancers embrace the opportunity to perfect their craft, and their position in their dances topped off with the classic K-Pop stage presence and flashy costumes.
The process of showcase is viewed as a wrap-up of the year. The members can showcase the skills and refinement in their dancing they’ve pursued throughout the year and gain recognition on stage. The showcase period has been accredited for bringing members of the club together, as over the rehearsal period members rely on one another, bonding through the continued process of preparation. Furthermore, QUTAPS showcase stands as a greater message, one that addresses the previously mentioned stigma that surrounded, and continues to surround, Asian pop. An interest that once people felt ashamed to be proud of, now sees people front and centre on stage, in front of a mass audience, spotlight blasting on them as they unapologetically showcase their passion.
As we are entering the 2024 showcase season, the club is gearing up to put on a better show than ever. Titled “All In”, the show symbolises the members’ All In passion for Asian pop, and their All In attitude to put on a spectacular show.
The club is determined to put on a show that demonstrates to the audience there’s nothing shameful about being a fan of Asian Pop culture, and that people’s interests should be respected. In the case of QUTAPS, this interest should be especially applauded as the members hone such impressive talent. That being said, the showcase is definitely not one to miss!
QUTAPS All In Showcase is on 23 November!
Tickets will be released in early November for the show, keep an attentive eye on QUTAPS social media for further details! Find out more here.
Instagram @qutapsofficial
Facebook QUT Asian Pop Society
YouTube QUT Asian Pop Society
Since moving to Brisbane in 2022, I relied on joining clubs to make friends. I quickly grew fond of QUT Asian Pop Society (QUTAPS) and immersed myself in the many social and dance opportunities the club offers.
I owe many of my friendships, experiences, and my rekindled love for dance to this club. In 2023 I wanted to give back to the club and became secretary. I hope many other people can be exposed to the positive impacts of this club!
