You can find Polish version of the article here: https://mysoseofundacja.org.pl/dj-shiru-o-europejskim-konkursie-k-pop-dance-fight-fest-milosci-do-azji-i-polskich-fanach-wywiad/
Silvio Franceschinelli, known as DJ Shiru, has been promoting Asian culture in Europe for decades. He is the driving force behind the European K-pop Dance Fight Fest — a unique event that brings together dancers from across the continent. In the interview, he talks about the beginnings, the influence of the Polish scene, and his mission as a DJ.
How did the idea for the European K-pop Dance Fight Fest come to life?
K-pop is huge across Europe — was there a particular moment when you realized it was time to launch a championship on this scale?
DJ Shiru: It’s not like I just woke up one day and randomly decided to organize a European contest. I’ve been involved in organizing large-scale pop culture festivals for decades. Over ten years ago, we introduced our first small K-Pop contests—and it all grew from there. The contests got bigger and bigger, and more and more organizers started asking me to bring K-Pop to their festivals, shopping centers, and clubs.
At some point, there were so many events happening everywhere that I decided to have the champions from each region compete against one another. At the same time, while traveling as a DJ across different countries, I noticed the K-Pop community was growing all over Europe. So I thought, “Let’s see which country has the best crew!”
Korean pop culture has been growing in Italy for years, and COMICON Naples played a huge role in this. What inspired you to include Korean culture so prominently in your festival from the very beginning?
DJ Shiru: Well, I’ve been working with Asian culture for decades, ever since I lived in Japan. I remember playing Korean music at an event about 20 years ago, when no one in Italy really knew about it—just like I sometimes do now with Chinese or Thai music.
Then, visitors and audiences started asking for K-Pop, and that’s when I realized the market was finally ready. In Naples, there was a group of young people called Coreapoli who organized small gatherings and flash mobs with K-Pop as the soundtrack. So I contacted them and asked, “Why don’t you bring some K-Pop to Comicon?”
I never imagined it would grow to become one of our most successful features.
The journey from a regional dance event to a full-scale European championship is truly impressive.
What were the key turning points that made this transformation possible?
DJ Shiru: Unfortunately, the turning point came just before the COVID pandemic. We had everything ready for the first national championship of the K-Pop Dance Fight Fest, but we couldn’t hold it because no events were allowed.
Still, we went ahead with it—just for solo dancers, online. I’m proud that we were able to give people something to aim for while they were stuck at home with nothing to do. But of course, there’s no comparison to an in-person contest, with a live audience.
Thousands of fans travel to take part in this celebration.
In your opinion, how does the festival impact local communities — and the dancers themselves?
DJ Shiru: The impact on local communities comes from the festivals as a whole. Events like Comicon Napoli or Etna Comics in Catania, which attract over 100,000 people, have both a cultural and economic impact.
For the dancers, it’s an experience that can change their lives—even just a little—something they’ll be proud to tell their children and grandchildren about. But I believe the impact extends to all stakeholders: those taking part in the regional selections across each country train for months to give their best; audience members look up to the performers on stage and may decide to try it themselves the following year.
Even parents might get used to hearing music that’s not in their native language or in English. So in our own way, we’re helping to change the world, just a little!
Let’s talk about Poland for a moment.
How has the Polish K-pop dance scene contributed to the championship? What stood out about Polish crews or fans?
DJ Shiru: I’ve been working with Magnificon in Krakow for many years now, so I’ve seen the K-Pop community grow from nothing into something huge. I remember suggesting to the organizer that they hold contests, and they told me, “Poland’s not ready yet.”
But it was ready—and when I sat on the jury for the first K-Pop contest in Poland, I was genuinely surprised by how good the dancers were! It was truly a great show. 88SQUAD is our partner in Poland, and they work hard to make the contest a success.
For dancers dreaming of joining the championship one day:
What advice would you give them? What separates a great performance from a legendary one?
DJ Shiru: Winning is a mix of hard work and talent. Participants shouldn’t underestimate any aspect of the exhibition — from costume, hair, and make-up to stage presence.
But the best advice is simple: “Have fun!”. Don’t stress too much if you don’t win the contest. Enjoy dancing — with your friends or on your own — have fun listening to the music you love, and let yourself forget your worries while you’re at it.
Looking ahead — what are your hopes and dreams for the European K-pop Dance Fight Fest?
Are there new countries or elements you’d love to add in the future?
DJ Shiru: We have several countries eager to join, but we will only accept one or a maximum of two each year.
Organizing such a large event is a challenge, and we need more sponsors to cover the expenses. My hope is that a major sponsor will step in to support the costs. Not because I want more money, but because I want to provide the best possible experience for our dancers. My hope is that one day some really famous K-Pop artist will sit in our jury and perform for us!
And finally, do you have a message for K-pop fans across Europe — especially those in Poland — who support and follow the championship with so much heart?
DJ Shiru: My message is simple: be highly competitive on stage, but always friendly backstage.
Dance to win, but seize this fantastic opportunity to meet people who share your taste in music. Your competitor today might be your teammate next year, so remember to smile and give a hug to everyone you compete against! For the Polish dancers: I really think Poland has a huge potential in the K-Pop scene, and your style is great, I am a fan!
P.S. I believe you’re also a DJ, right?
DJ Shiru: I love playing music and jumping around on stage, and if you call that DJing, then I am a DJ! A few weeks ago, I DJed at Remcon in Gdańsk and was blown away by the Polish crowd. Now, here’s an exciting announcement: I usually perform with a group of backup dancers called The KJ Girls. If you’d like to join us, send me a message on Instagram—you could be on stage with me at my next show in Poland, or even on tour in other countries! Wiktoria, by any chance, do you dance? 😉
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Since DJ Shiru asked this like an interview question, I’ll answer it here.
Dancing to K-pop became something really important to me after a breakup a few years ago. It was the first thing I chose to do for myself.
I’m not a professional dancer, and even though I took some dance classes when I was younger, I still don’t feel confident enough to perform in front of others. Back then, learning to dance felt stressful. I remember a dance teacher at a summer camp once told me, “If you don’t loosen up, no one will ever notice you.” After hearing things like that, it’s hard to feel free and enjoy dancing, especially on stage.
Now, I mostly dance just for myself. It helps me take a break from reality. It’s my way to relax.
So, do I dance? Yes but I like to stay in my comfort zone. Still, thank you so much for the invitation! Mixing journalism and dance could be really fun and special. But for now, I’d rather watch K-pop dancers on festival as someone in the audience! 😉
Thank you once again, Silvio for the interview! Check his social media and K-pop Dance Fight Fest.
Links to social media:
https://www.instagram.com/kpopdancefightfest/
https://www.instagram.com/djshirukj/
References:
Silvio Franceschinell | K-pop Dance Fight Fest | K-pop Contest
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