Why Motiv Crew almost said no to ‘World of Street Woman Fighter’

Six of the seven members of Motiv Crew, from left, Nyssa Figueroa, Bella Olsen, Marlee Hightower, Abby Diaz, Kaidi Lindo and Logan "Logistx" Edra. Not pictured is Ruthie Fantaye. Courtesy of Motiv Crew

While it may not have the same level of experience as some of its predecessors in the world of K-pop or Korean television, Motiv Crew is steadily proving that it’s the right team to represent the U.S. in “World of Street Woman Fighter,” Mnet’s dance competition show, now in its third season.

Initially ranked near the bottom, Motiv has consistently performed at a top-tier level and racked up wins in both challenges and battles, earning praise from not only judges but also fans around the world. What began as an underdog story is quickly transforming into something much more powerful: a crew with something to prove, and the talent to back it up.

For the dance crew’s founder/leader and choreographer Marlee Hightower, signing on for another survival-style contest wasn’t originally part of her 2025 plan.

“Honestly, when they first reached out to me, I was like no, I’m not doing another competition show,” she said. Motiv Crew had previously appeared on NBC’s “World of Dance” Season 3 in 2022.

Motiv Crew represents the United States in "World of Street Woman Fighter" / Captured from Instagram (@mnet_dance)

Between teaching, choreographing, managing a dance studio and the overall year-round grind of dance battles, she wasn’t looking for more work. But after talking it through with a friend and another professional from the industry, something shifted.

With a team blending battle-tested experience, breaking skills and creative chemistry, Marlee submitted her team application. Motiv was one of several U.S. crews in consideration, but after a round of producer interviews, hers was the only one that clicked.

Still, one factor they had to weigh carefully was the potential for reality-show drama, whether real or edited for effect, which is common in these survival-style shows.

“I didn’t really like reality shows — I don’t even watch them,” Motiv member Bella Olsen said. “However, the pros outweighed the cons. Everything was in line with what I love and want.”

She added that they were happy so far with how the show had portrayed them, especially the fact that they get to show not only their skills and competitiveness but also their goofy, fun sides.

Motiv Crew attends "World of Street Woman Fighter" Mega Talk session at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in central Seoul, June 19. Courtesy of Mnet

Of course, traveling was was also exciting for them. “It’s such a change from what we’re used to,” Abby Diaz, the youngest, said. “It’s what made me curious about it. I craved a change for so long because I lived in Florida all my life. This is my first time traveling overseas and knowing what it was like outside of the U.S. It was cool to see how things worked in different places.”

Some Motiv members are navigating being outside the U.S. for the first time. But what is still familiar is the presence of recognizable faces. They’ve crossed paths with many of the other competitors before, and reported that the international scene feels less foreign than expected.

Bella added that there’s a “fun, positive competitive spirit” to the competition and while there’s battling, it comes from wanting to show one’s skills rather than from any negativity.

However, they also feel pressured to represent their country, especially these days as the U.S. finds itself in deep conflict over the ideals of inclusivity. Motiv’s mega crew mission video accordingly explored themes of diversity and division.

“Dance is also a very radical act, and going deeper, hip-hop is also a radical act,” Bella said. “If you’re true to the source, it’s going to have a lot of political elements, whether it’s from the United States or not.”

The crew had a taste of fame a few days ago during a rainy-day performance at Yongsan I-Park Mall.

“The fandom is crazy,” Marlee said. “I was telling them (the organizers and producers) it’s not cool to be a fan in America. You have to play it cool.”

Nyssa Figueroa added, “There were some screams, vocal cords damaged, like breaking the sound barrier.”

Marlee continued, “For us, it’s a shock because it’s so different than America. Even if you’re watching in the U.S., it’s very niche, whereas here it’s THE SHOW. I feel like very Hannah Montana.”

Six members of Motiv Crew meet with 11-year-old Indonesian freestyle dancer Mata Miyu, who appeared in their mega crew mission video. Courtesy of Motiv Crew

The team is still in serious contention to win, but even if it doesn’t happen, the members have already gained something more valuable: a deep sense of pride in what they’ve accomplished.

Antonia Giordano is a freelance photographer and writer based in Seoul. An adoptee, Antonia deeply understands and connects with the issues surrounding adoption and post-adoption. Visit giordanoantonia.myportfolio.com and follow @antonia_creative_services on Instagram.