Photo Courtesy of Mix’in PH
Since their formation in 2017, Mix’in PH has carved a vibrant niche in the Philippine dance scene as a dynamic all-female dance cover group. Known for their precision, energy, and creativity, the group skyrocketed to prominence by clinching back-to-back victories at Pinoy Kpop Star (2018–2019), the Philippine regional qualifier for South Korea’s prestigious Changwon Kpop World Festival. Their wins not only showcased their mastery of Kpop choreography but also cemented their status as trailblazers in the local dance community.
Today, we explore their journey: from competition triumphs and pandemic pivots to their bold leap into new genres. Join us as we discuss their creative process, their vision for bridging Kpop and Ppop cultures, and what’s next for this unstoppable squad of dance innovators.
“Mix’in PH started in 2017 as an all-girl dance cover group. What inspired its formation, and how did the original members come together?
The original members are actually from different cover groups from way back 2010-2014 (to name them: Pixies and Bpink covering Apink, Top Angels covering Teen Top, Wanderland covering Momoland and Dreamcatcher, and Prixteme covering pristin).
We were friends even before but we were from different groups. We got the idea to create the group from the name itself, which is to mix everyone together and make something new whether it be doing a routine from a group we have yet to cover or a competition we haven’t joined. Eventually the group grew larger over time adjusting to the needs of the kpop group members we needed to match for our cover.
“Winning back-to-back Pinoy Kpop Star titles (2018-2019) is a huge achievement. What did those victories mean for the group, and how did they shape your identity?
Winning PKS back to back made up a huge chunk of what we were as a group because the competition in itself is not only a big regional competition but was also recognized internationally. It led us to a lot of opportunities like the Korean Culture Caravan (a project of the Korean Cultural Center of the Philippines) where we got to visit different schools and introduce kpop to them through our performance, alongside other winners from the dance and vocal category as well as sb19.
After the pandemic, Mix’in PH shifted focus from competitions to creating content. What drove this decision, and how did you adapt your creative process?
The pandemic was actually a kind of a catalyst for the group, some members left, and others had to prioritize other stuff to adapt to the situation giving them less time for the group and its activities which is totally valid and understandable.
It was a collective decision to not disband the group so we decided to shift to making dance videos instead. In that way we still get to dance together without the pressure of competition. Though we’re not actively participating in competitions like we usually do in the past, we keep our doors open for them if there are enough members who can commit fully.
You’ve branched into Ppop alongside Kpop. How does your approach differ when covering these genres, and what challenges arise?
To be honest, our overall approach doesn’t really change between Ppop and Kpop; it’s always about respecting the artistry and giving our best performance.
The main difference lies in the way we connect to the music. With Ppop, being in our own language and culture, we can immediately relate to the lyrics and emotions, which allows us to express ourselves more naturally and freely through dance.
On the other hand, with Kpop, since not all of us are fluent in Korean, we have to make a conscious effort to study the lyrics, themes, and concepts of the song.That extra step ensures that we’re not just imitating the choreography, but also delivering the right emotion and intention behind it.
At the end of the day, though, both genres are similar in the sense that they demand precision, energy, and heart, and we approach them with the same level of passion and commitment.
How do you choose which songs to cover? Is there a specific criteria or creative philosophy the group follows?
When it comes to choosing which songs to cover, our main philosophy is pretty simple—we go with what we genuinely want to dance or perform. We’re not just picking songs because they’re trending or because people are requesting them. Instead, we focus on one important criteria: everyone in the group has to enjoy it. If we’re all excited and motivated about the song, then the performance naturally comes out more authentic and energetic.
At the same time, we’re also very mindful that while we’re enjoying ourselves, we have to give justice to the original artist and their song.
It’s important for us to honor the effort and artistry behind the piece, so we always put in the work to match the emotion, precision, and energy it deserves.
That balance between having fun and showing respect is what guides us, and hopefully it’s what audiences can see and feel when they watch our performances.
Could you walk us through your choreography process? How do you balance originality with paying homage to the original artists?
All of the pioneer members of MIX’IN have been in the K-pop dance cover community since as early as 2010. Back then, we didn’t have clear dance practices or HD fancams, so we trained ourselves to study live stages and even other cover groups, which helped us master not only the moves but also the idols’ stage presence.
Today, with dance practices easily available, we still keep that discipline, each of us practices individually first, then we refine as a group to sync details and energy.
When it comes to balancing originality and homage, we always start by respecting the foundation of the choreography and the intent of the original artists.
Once we’ve captured that essence, we allow our own style and dynamic to shine through. It’s about honoring their work while still making the performance feel authentic to us and relatable to the audience.
How has Mix’in PH’s dance style evolved since 2017? Are there new techniques or cultural elements you’ve incorporated over time?
Since 2017, there haven’t been drastic changes in our style, but we’ve definitely grown in the way we approach our craft. Over the years, we’ve expanded our skills by exploring other genres outside of K-pop and P-pop. That exposure helps each member in their personal training, it challenges us to move differently, adapt to new techniques, and discover fresh ways of expressing ourselves. All of that growth feeds back into how we perform as a group.
What has really defined us is resilience. Challenges like limited resources, balancing personal commitments, and even the ups and downs of the community scene could have slowed us down, but instead they pushed us to keep improving.
We’ve stayed consistent by supporting each other, sharpening our versatility, and holding on to the passion that first brought us together. It’s less about changing who we are and more about evolving with time while staying true to our identity.
What were the biggest challenges in maintaining the group’s momentum during and after the pandemic? How did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge was really keeping the group together and keeping it active. Because priorities and morale really shifted during the pandemic and most of the members kind of lost their “spark”. As a dancer it’s something you can’t easily get back, you really have to work on getting it back and condition yourself not only physically but mentally as well. We really had to talk long and hard to come up with something that keeps the group active without it having to consume a huge chunk of the members’ time like it used to.
Practices and training became less as it adjusted to the members’ schedules and we could also only do a cover video once every 2 months and that got even lesser at present.
At the end of the day, the members just really settled for what everyone can currently do and supported each other’s individual endeavors in the process as well.
How does Mix’in PH handle criticism or creative disagreements, both internally and from external feedback?
Internally, we’ve always believed in fairness and respect, so when creative disagreements come up, we follow a “majority wins” mindset. It may sound simple, but even after being together for eight years, that approach reminds us that everyone’s voice matters.
We also make it a point as a group to over communicate with each other rather than under-communication to avoid misunderstandings. Over time, we’ve also learned to make decisions more logically, not just emotionally, which has helped us grow as a team.
What we value most, though, is the boundary we set between the group and our friendship.
Disagreements or criticisms stay within the group, never within the friendship. That’s very important to us because at the end of the day, we’re not just performers—we’re family. We understand that constructive criticism and even conflict are part of the process, and instead of breaking us, they’ve always made us stronger.
We see every challenge as an opportunity to improve, and we carry that mindset even when facing external feedback. Whether it’s praise or critique, we take it as fuel to keep striving for success and for the betterment of the group.
How do the members balance personal lives with the demands of rehearsals, content creation, and group commitments?
In the earlier years, balancing wasn’t as difficult because most of us were still students, with only a few working. Back then, we could pour almost all of our free time into rehearsals, content creation, live performances, and competitions—we gave it everything, as if our lives were on the line.
Now that we’ve grown into working professionals, things have become more challenging.
Each of us has different schedules, responsibilities, and priorities outside of the group, which sometimes means it can take months before we’re all complete in rehearsals.
But what keeps us going is the love we share for Mix’in PH. No matter how busy life gets, we always find ways to come together, because dancing as a group isn’t just an activity—it’s a part of who we are. That commitment and passion are what bind us, and it’s what makes every performance worth it, no matter how long the wait.
What’s the most touching or memorable interaction you’ve had with a fan, and how did it impact the group?
For us, the most touching moments with our supporters have always been during school caravans (2018 to 2020). There’s something really special about performing in front of students and seeing how our passion for dance can inspire them to believe in their own dreams. When they come up to us after a performance and say that we’ve motivated them to keep going, or that they now feel encouraged to pursue what they love, it hits us deeply.
Those interactions remind us that what we’re doing is bigger than just dancing. It pushes us to become better people and performers, because we realize we’re setting an example.
It showed us that following your passion won’t harm you, it will actually give you strength and fulfillment. That kind of impact has boosted our confidence, fueled our drive to keep dancing, and strengthened our purpose as a group: to inspire others through what we love.
By merging Kpop and Ppop, Mix’in PH bridges cultures. How do you view your role in promoting this fusion in the Philippine dance scene?
By merging K-pop and P-pop, we see ourselves as more than just performers—we’re cultural connectors. K-pop gives us discipline and drive, while P-pop allows us to connect deeply through our own language and identity.
Bringing the two together shows the versatility of the Philippine dance community and how we can embrace global influences while proudly uplifting our own culture.
Looking ahead, our goal is to keep growing and creating performances that inspire others, especially the younger generation, to pursue what they love. We want to help elevate the local dance scene and prove that Filipino talent can stand alongside the best in the world. More than anything, we want our legacy to reflect that dancing is not just about strength or perfect execution—it’s about truly enjoying the dance, expressing yourself, and sharing that joy with others.
If people can remember Mix’in PH as a group that inspired them to move, to dream, and to believe in themselves, then we’ll know we’ve done our part.
Are there plans to return to competitions like Pinoy Kpop Star, or is the focus now on content creation and Ppop expansion?
Since 2022, we made the conscious decision to step back from big competitions. It wasn’t because we lost the drive, but because we felt it was time to pause, reflect, and give ourselves space to grow as a group and as individuals. Some people may not know this, but we actually failed to reach Korea twice.
At first, it was heartbreaking—we worked so hard and came so close, only to fall short. But looking back, those moments became some of our most important lessons. They taught us to value what we already have: each other, our supporters, and the family we’ve built within Mix’in PH.
Of course, there are times when we talk about competing again, but for now, it feels more like a small possibility than a concrete plan.
What matters most is that we’re at peace with where we are. Competitions gave us milestones, but they don’t define us. What defines us is the bond we share and the passion we continue to carry after all these years.
As for P-pop, we’re incredibly proud that three of our members—Charlotte, Mita, and Kath—are carving their own paths in that scene.
But as a group, Mix’in PH will remain a cover group. That’s where our heart is, and we’re happy and content to stay true to what we’ve always loved doing. For us, it’s not about chasing titles or recognition anymore—it’s about treasuring the journey, the friendships, and the moments that make us who we are.
If our story can inspire even one person to keep holding on to their passion, then that is already a victory far greater than any competition stage.
If you could collaborate with any local or international artist, who would it be and why?
Of course, at the top of our list would be our very own members’ P-pop groups—KAIA and PIX!E. It would be such a full-circle moment to share the stage with them not just as Mix’in, but in collaboration with the groups they now proudly represent. And of course, we’d love to collaborate with BINI as well. We’ve been covering their songs for quite some time, so it would be both exciting and a little nerve-wracking to actually perform with the artists we’ve been emulating—like, “Oh no, they’ll see if we’ve been doing the steps right all along!”
For international artists, WJSN and IZ*ONE has always been on our dream list. Even though collaborating with IZ*ONE now might only be possible in another universe (since they were a project group that has now disbanded), the thought still makes us smile.
These groups inspire us with their stage presence and artistry, so the chance to stand beside them, even just once, would feel like a dream come true. Of course, we would also feel the same with the artists we’ve paid homage to through our covers.
How has being part of Mix’in PH influenced your personal growth as a dancer and performer?
Being part of Mix’in PH has influenced us in so many ways, both as dancers and as individuals. At first, it was just about learning choreography and performing it correctly, but over the years we realized that dancing is also about discipline, teamwork, and expressing emotions in ways that words can’t always capture. Every rehearsal and every stage taught us lessons about patience, resilience, and the value of hard work.
On a personal level, Mix’in gave us confidence, not just to perform in front of people, but to believe in ourselves.
It also taught us the importance of trust, because in every formation and every routine, we depend on one another to make it work. And even during disagreements or struggles, we grew by learning how to listen and how to respect each other’s strengths.
Mix’in PH has become more than just a group for us—it’s a family and a training ground for life. It shaped us into better performers, but more importantly, it helped us grow into better people.
What’s the group’s proudest accomplishment to date, and why does it stand out?
Our proudest accomplishments will always be the 2018 and 2019 Pinoy Kpop Star competitions. Some people might wonder why we still look back on them after so many years, but for us, those moments define who we are as a group.
2018 was unforgettable because it was our very first win as Mix’in PH. We poured our blood, sweat, and tears, literally into training, and that victory was proof that all the sacrifices were worth it.
Then in 2019, we tried again, but this time without the heavy expectations. That experience showed us our growth, not just in skill, but in maturity and unity as a team.
Those years stand out because they weren’t just about trophies; they were about proving to ourselves what we could achieve together. They gave us memories, lessons, and a sense of pride that continues to inspire us today.
How do you maintain such strong teamwork and chemistry after years of working together?
We’ve maintained our teamwork and chemistry through one simple but powerful foundation, friendship. Long before the stages and competitions, we were friends who shared the same passion, and that bond has carried us through every challenge. Of course, disagreements happen, but we’ve learned to separate group matters from our personal relationships.
We remind ourselves that at the end of the day, we’re not just performers, we’re family. What also keeps us strong is mutual respect. Each member has their own strengths, and instead of competing with one another, we lift each other up. Over the years, that trust has only deepened, and it shows in the way we move together on stage or on cam.
Our chemistry isn’t something forced, it’s the result of years of growing, struggling, and celebrating together. That’s why even after all this time, we still feel the same excitement every time we dance side by side.
Advice to AspiWhat advice would you give to young Filipina dancers aiming to carve their path in cover groups or dance careers?
Our biggest advice to young Filipina dancers is simple: be who you are, and never let other people’s comments define your worth as a dancer. In this community, there will always be opinions, good or bad, but at the end of the day, you are you, and if you choose to dance, then you are a dancer no matter what happens.
Don’t chase validation; chase growth. Focus on enjoying the journey, learning from every rehearsal, every stage, and even every mistake.
Surround yourself with people who support your passion, and remember that the most powerful thing you can bring to the stage is your authentic self. When you stay true to who you are, your dance will always shine brighter.
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