Aespa at United Center
Aespa members from left to right: Ningning, Winter, Giselle, and Karina
All Photo credit: Hannah Digitals
If you've venutured into the world at Kpop at all then you've probably heard of Aespa, or at least recognize their catchy chorus and dance moves for Whiplash or Next Level. The dramatic beats behind their songs make them stand out from other girl groups. After a 12-city stop tour in the US, Aespa made their way to Chicago for their last show in the US before continuing their tour in Europe.
The United Center was packed, a security guard mentioned some had even been waiting outside since 4pm(bear in mind, this is winter in Chicago!) The crowd glowed with blue lights as fans held up light sticks and excitedly chattered. When the music started, everyone snaped into action, the arena filled with cheers while the blue light sticks waved around even faster. For international Kpop fans, it was a rare chance to see their favorite group in their city, some fans even flew in for the show. The anticipation and excitement was palpable.
If I had to describe Aespa's show in one word it would be Drama. The show started with visualizers setting the mood, clips of each of the four members in moody and mysterious scenes. Four symbols flashed on the huge screens, pulsing and building tension before the screens split open to reveal the four members of Aespa: Winter, Karina, Ningning, and Giselle. Dressed in all-white beaded corsets and tutus, they strutted slowly out towards the crowd. Background dancers dressed in all-black swarmed around them. The stage exploded with energy as their song appropriately titled Drama started*.* The way the costumes flowed with their movements and they seamlessly passed the spotlight between members, it was mesmerizing. It was hard to choose between focusing on the movement of the dancers on stage or the close ups of the girl's expressions on-screen as they looked down the barrel of the camera. The attention to detail and the preparation was on full display. Their movements switched tempo, from sharp arm motions to slower flowing full-body movements. It was hypnotizing to watch.
One of my favorite moments was the chance for each of the members to perform a solo song, it really gave me the chance to get to know them individually. Giselle's Dopamine showed a sassy but sultry tone, while usually a rapper, her vocals really shined. Karina's Up was heavy hitting with an effortlessly cool approach to the choreography. Ningning's Boredwas such a smooth and playful performance, both in in vocals and dancing. Winter's Spark was very dreamy and pop, the choreography was captivating. The background dancers once again showed the full range of their talent as they brought the stage around each of the members to life.
There was a distinct rhythm to the show. Every few songs, the girls would disappear backstage, and the continuation of the visualizers would play on screen. Fans had a chance to sit and rest and I spotted many carefully reviewing the photos or videos they had taken so far on their phone. The next song would start and everyone jumped out of their seats. Aespa reappeared on stage, new outfits and hairstyles that set the tone for the next few songs to come. Pink hoodies and baggy jeans to match their bubblier and playful songs like We Go and the name sake Pink Hoodie. **All-black outfits with leather and chain accessories perfectly fit their edgier songs Whiplash and We Set the Tone.
After Armageddon, Aespa waved goodbye, announced the end of show before disappearing backstage. I expected them to quickly reappear for an encore but the arena lights came on and people looked around uncertainly, it was pretty convincing that the show was over. Just as I was about to accept the show was really over, the screens lit up with a challenge for fans to dance to their songs. This started one of my favorite moments of the show, a dance camera landed on fans and they burst out into the cherography. It was heartwarming to see the preparation and bedroom dance practices pay off. The camera occasionally found itself backstage, giving glimpses of Aespa joining in on the challenge, hitting that the show wasn't quite over.
The backstage dancers reappeared on stage, each of their names and a close up shot of them dancing showed on the big screen. They truly elevated the energy and performances throughout the show and it was a special moment to give them well-deserved recognition. Finally Aespa reappeared, and performed Aenegy, Just Anther Girl, and Life's too Short before ending the show, and their US leg of tour with one last group photo with the fans. The fans and Aespa brought an energy to the arena that is hard to beat and I know Chicago will be excitedly waiting for their return.
