Today we’d like to introduce you to Lina Kim.
Hi Lina, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been obsessed with dancing—but growing up, classes like the ones we have today didn’t exist. The only class I had access to was my mom’s aerobics class down the street. And honestly? I hated it. I just wanted to learn some K-pop. So, I bought a cheap mirror from Target and spent hours after school watching music videos and teaching myself every move. Til this day, I still remember pure pride and happiness after nailing a routine. MISS-A was my biggest inspiration and I dreamt to become just like them. One day, without understanding how the K-pop industry worked, I decided to audition in LA. And to my surprise, I ended up training for about 7 months. It was exciting at first, but eventually, it came down to a big decision. My life was still here—my family, friends, future, and a long list of things I still wanted to explore. To leave my life here and move to South Korea to pursue a path I barely understood wasn’t going to work out, especially at a young age. Eventually, it unfolded, and now I’m running a dance studio that grew from that very love I had as a kid.
Today, I run a dance studio that not only reflects my childhood vision, but also brings that original vision to life. It’s a place that nurtures creativity, reflects my journey, and serves as a bridge between the U.S. and South Korea—helping students like me chase their dreams and step into the world of K-pop and beyond. Within just one year, four of our students signed contracts with major companies which include companies like JYP Entertainment-one of South Korea’s ‘top 3’ Agencies. Students were casted to be on a global debut show and some had already made their global debut. Today, through our Idol Training Program and strong industry connections, this community has become more than a dance studio; it’s a place where long-term growth and real opportunity meet.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
At 17, I graduated early and dove headfirst into college to pursue law. Dance was just something I loved on the side—a passion I turned to when I needed joy. But that passion started to grow. I always dreamed of having a space of my own—a studio where I could dance freely and create without limits. I started renting studio spaces, teaching classes, and even created a dance page to share my journey. What began as a simple page soon evolved into a full dance studio business. At the time, I was still working at a law firm while juggling my growing dance commitments. Then it hit me: ‘I can always go back to law later, but I won’t always be able to dance like this.’
As my classes grew, I was eventually scouted by a new facility launching in Buena Park to help shape the academy’s identity- creating programs, designing curriculums from the ground up, leading the academy’s vision as a Creative Director. Since dancing was always my hobby, I didn’t want to commit fully into this industry and denied at first, but it was this moment when I realized that doing what I love could not only fulfill me creatively but also provide more stability than the traditional path I had been on. However, as the academy expanded, its direction slowly began to shift away from the original vision that I helped shape. That’s when I knew it was time to build something of my own—something rooted in purpose and authenticity. I asked myself—’how can I create the space I needed when I was younger?’ What lacked back then became the very foundation for what I knew I had to build for today’s youth.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about STAGE X STUDIO?
At Stage X Studio, we’ve built a powerhouse of 25+ elite instructors and coaches. Our students train under a top-tier producer, Softserveboy, who has produced for SEVENTEEN, CL, ENHYPEN, LE-SSERAFIM, GWEN STEFANI, TWICE, and many more. They also receive vocal training from an Artist-Vocal Coach, Bailey Flores, who has collaborated with JENNIE and other major artists. We give our students direct access to the industry at the highest level. We offer real access to the industry and now, it’s helping others chase their dreams—with real support, real training, and real chances to make it.
Today, we have over 80 students enrolled into our weekly group classes, with many dancers whom have been training with us for 3 to 5 years and counting. As our studio continues to grow, our training programs have reached an international level—welcoming students who fly in from places like Italy, New York, Michigan, Tennessee, Czech Republic, Canada, and beyond.
As the CEO of our facility, my goal has always been simple: to create a space where students can dream freely—if you truly want it, step into it first and we’ll figure out the rest later- Passion comes first, everything else can follow.
This studio is more than just a business, it’s the place I needed when I was younger. I came to understand how something as small as a personal passion can evolve into a full-fledged career. My mission is to help young students realize that their hobby isn’t small– if you are willing to chase it, with the right tools and support, their dreams are actually a lot closer than they think. I’ve seen how one student’s passion can turn into a life-changing path—and I’m here to help make that happen. My goal is to bridge that gap between dream and reality—by offering the space, support, and encouragement they need to chase that dream with confidence.
At STAGE X STUDIO, we are unlocking each student’s hidden potential, proving that passion has power. Dance isn’t just movement—it’s a journey of growth, identity, and confidence. It’s not about forcing a career—it’s about giving them the freedom to explore, the tools to grow, and the belief that anything is possible.
Pricing:
- Drop In Classes ($22)
- Weekly Group Training ($150-$200)
- Idol Training Program ($3,500-$5,000)
Contact Info:
- Address: 6940 Beach Blvd D-121, Buena Park 90621
- Website: https://stagexstudio.
com/ - Instagram: https://www.
instagram.com/stagexstudio/ - YouTube: https://youtube.com/@
stagexstudio?si=2f3hcS_ mGAmUpiqf - Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/
biz/stage-x-studio-fullerton
Image Credits
PHOTO 1-2 / Facility & Information
Photo 3 / STAGE X STUDIO performed based team–Junior Girls
Photo 4 / Class photo
Photo 5/ Kids Class Photo collage (2)
Photo 6/ Kids Class photo collage (2)
