Kieran Lai
London-based TikToker Kieran Lai impresses with his eye-catching dancing ability. He has been dancing for over a decade, and in this time has found success on a variety of levels, from local dance competitions to TV shows like Britain's Got Talent. In 2019, Kieran ventured into the world of TikTok, a decision that has proven well for the movement artist. Videos of him dancing to TikTok challenges, dance tutorials, and his running series of “creating another Hype House” are what separates his content from the rest. Kiernan currently boasts over 259k followers and over 5.4 million likes on the app. We recently spoke with him about his love for dancing, favorite collaborations, and more!
Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get started doing TikToks?
I am a London based Movement Artist who has been dancing for 12 years and I originally learned to dance through watching online YouTube videos. I have gone through many stages of my career from local dance competitions to national TV shows to being in a West End Musical. I decided to start a Tik Tok account in November 2019 because of a Gary Vaynerchuck Youtube video I watched expressing the power and opportunity behind the app! I then decided to start a new TikTok account where it would only be dance-related at the start of lockdown this year around March because I had more time.
Which video do you credit most for your viral success?
The video that got me started on my TikTok journey was the video of my dad reacting to my attempt at the Friend Like Me Challenge where I learned the dance choreography from the movie Aladdin in one afternoon that @nickyandersen started. I then started to develop stories around my dances that were either relatable or authentic to the moment.
Where do you draw inspiration from when creating content?
I draw my inspiration from my friends, other dancers, and really good story telling. I realized that people are more invested in stories than just skill, so I began to watch movies, anime, and shows in a different light. I wanted to find ways in which the story drives the videos.
What are some of your favorite TikTok dance trends out right now?
I love doing the footwork-based dances on TikTok and the dances that have a nice choreographic feel behind them like the ones @Tristanrubiano ad @zockjat have made. It's easier for me to invest myself in those dances than some of the TikTok dances that are upper body heavy.
What is one trend that you wish you could bring back?
I haven't been on the app for long but when I first arrived there was a trend going, "Ayo, I'm Asian check!" and it was so nice to see Asians being celebrated on the platform.
Who are some of your favorite creators to collaborate with?
I love creating with my genuine friends, so I tend to collaborate with @flawlessdancegroup, @alfiechapman__ and @leahdadane_ in London and around Essex. I recently collaborated with @timdessaint and I love his style of fashion!
Who are you partnering up with for a dream collab?
There are so many creators that I would love to collaborate with but @sjbleau and @wrencrisologo are two amazing dancers that I found through TikTok and I admire their dance styles. Some dream collaborations in the UK would be @daisyjelley, @perri.kiely and @ashleybanjo.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
I would love to have superpowers like Dr.Strange cause I just think he's such an interesting and deep marvel character. You can do so much with that level of power!
What is the first thing that a tourist must do when visiting London?
The first thing you should do is go to Shoreditch and explore all of the corners of East London because there are so many food places and cool thrift shops tucked around that area. It's the first place I take my international friends to because it's a vibe!
What can we catch you doing on your day off?
On my days off, I love to watch Korean dramas and movies, but if I'm feeling active then a quick gym session is never far off. I also love grabbing a bubble tea with friends.
What's next for Keiran Lai?
Now I am just concentrating solely on creating content and making my dream a reality through TikTok. I do have plans of going back to the West End Musical — & Juliet in March 2021, but I will be bringing my TikTok audience there as well so you can see the behind the scenes of the production!
