It was NSYNC, Michael Jackson (understandably), and more accurately the 2004 movie You Got Served that got Alif Aircho interested in hip hop 17 years ago. Going on to represent Singapore in the World Hip Hop Dance Championship three years in a row in Las Vegas, the down-to-earth 28-year-old says he equally enjoys team showcase competitions and solo battles. Aircho shares his fervour for all street dance and may one day consider his hand at traditional genres as he gets older, but for now, he candidly answers about the big names and the possibilities ahead.
ESQUIRE: How did you get scouted by Hybe (formerly Big Hit Entertainment)?
ALIF AIRCHO: It was during the debut of TXT (Tomorrow X Together). People ask about my connections but I really think they found me out of Instagram. I was a bit shocked because it was an anonymous e-mail saying that they saw my profile and really liked my style. No audition, nothing. [And] I’ve never met them in person. They give you the song and you set up your own team, create the choreography, send it to them, then draft back and forth.
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