Imagine a dance so captivating, it feels like a piece of the choreographer's soul has been left on the internet. That's exactly what Kyle Hanagami achieved with his 2017 YouTube video set to Adele's 'Love in the Dark,' a mesmerizing performance featuring dancers manipulating glowing orbs in a dimly lit setting. But here's where it gets intriguing: despite his massive online presence—over 7 million followers across YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram—Hanagami rarely steps in front of the camera. 'I have a bit of stage fright,' he admits, preferring to let his choreography speak for itself. And speak it does, with credits ranging from BLACKPINK's global K-pop sensation to the 2024 Mean Girls movie and Disney's Zootopia stage adaptation.
Hanagami's journey to becoming a renowned choreographer wasn't linear. He started as a pre-med student at UC Berkeley, only to switch paths after falling in love with dance during a chance encounter with a local crew. 'We rehearsed outside with a boom box, using windows as mirrors,' he recalls. 'It wasn't intentional, but dance took me somewhere.' Similarly, his rise to online fame was accidental, sparked by a student posting videos of his classes. From there, he began experimenting with recording and editing, initially using just a digital point-and-shoot camera. And this is the part most people miss: it was Apple's Final Cut Pro that became his secret weapon, transforming his raw footage into polished, emotionally charged pieces.
Since 2009, Hanagami has relied on Final Cut Pro to elevate his work. 'I've always been an early adopter of technology,' he says. 'Final Cut Pro allowed me to think beyond what I saw in the camera.' Features like Magnetic Mask and Smart Conform have streamlined his editing process, giving him more time to focus on creativity. For instance, Beat Detection in Logic Pro, now integrated into Final Cut Pro, lets him align cuts to music with precision—a game-changer for someone who choreographs with such intentionality. 'Editing goes hand in hand with what I do,' he explains. 'Understanding what a camera and software can do allows you to think bigger.'
Apple's ecosystem has become inseparable from Hanagami's workflow. Whether sketching on iPad, filming on iPhone, or editing on Mac, each device plays a crucial role. 'Having my iPhone with me at all times has been the biggest game changer,' he notes. 'As soon as inspiration hits, I'm ready to film.' But it's not just the tools—it's the people and the process. Hanagami's collaborators bring his vision to life, their movements infused with his passion for dance.
Here’s a thought-provoking question: In an era where technology democratizes creativity, does the artist's toolset define their art, or is it merely a means to an end? Hanagami’s story suggests it’s a bit of both. As Apple’s Creator Studio rolls out new features, creatives like him are poised to push boundaries even further. But what do you think? Does technology enhance artistry, or does it risk overshadowing the human touch? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation!
