Filipino-Japanese choreographer Rie Hata, known across the globe as the Queen of Swag, recently visited the Philippines, reconnecting with her roots and calling on fellow Pinoys for support as she takes on a bold new challenge in her already iconic career.
With a résumé that includes choreography for Korean superstars like BTS, EXO, TWICE, Red Velvet, aespa, NCT, ATEEZ, and BoA, as well as global icons such as Chris Brown, Rie Hata has earned her place as a respected name in the dance world. But despite her elite status, she’s stepping back into the competitive spotlight—this time as a contestant.
“Currently I’m joining [a] Korean survival show, it’s called World of Street Woman Fighter. It’s a world dance competition,” Rie shared during an interview on June 5 in Makati City.
World of Street Woman Fighter Season 3 premiered on May 27, and she’s representing Team Tokyo, Japan. The team is composed of eight fierce female dancers, with Rie serving as their leader.
“It’s very tough for me, but at the same time it’s a very productive journey,” she said. “Last year, for Season 2, I was a judge. It’s kinda weird that I am joining, like I’m competing right now.”
It’s a major shift—going from the judge’s seat to the dance floor. For someone who’s built a career choreographing the world’s top stars, competing again was never in her plans.
“Of course I said ‘No.’ I definitely didn’t want to compete. I said no like a hundred times,” Rie admitted. “But they asked me to join like a hundred times. I still said no.”
What changed her mind wasn’t fame or pressure—it was love. “Why I joined this competition is for my girls,” she said earnestly. “I have my students, and they became professional dancers, [they became] like my family, like my crew. The TV show said if I join, and my girls can join as Team Japan. That’s why—I’m just doing this for my girls.”
But even the Queen of Swag needs her people behind her. That’s why Rie is reaching out to her Filipino roots and asking for support.
“I need support. I need Filipino fans’, families’ support,” she said. “Like, I want you guys to watch the dance video, and we need views, ‘coz views and likes are our vote. And I need your support.”
Ex-Pinoy Big Brother housemate and dancer AC Bonifacio also shared her admiration for Rie. “I really truly have been a fan, me and my friends… We’ve all been such a fan because you truly are the Queen of Swag. Even before Street Woman, like just your videos on Instagram, we have been inspired to groove the way you do and have that swag in our dances.”
While in the Philippines, Rie didn’t waste the chance to connect with the local dance community. She collaborated with some of the country’s best-known dancers and choreographers, including Aira Casim, Jay Joseph Roncesvalles, W3, AC Bonifacio, Mannex Manhattan, MASTERMIND, Innah Bee, Dasuri Choi, DJ Loonyo, and capped it off with a standout performance with SB19.
As she faces the world stage once more, one thing is clear: the Queen of Swag is moving with purpose—and she’s inviting everyone to groove along.
TATAK MNL 
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