About Rapid Steps Idolfest

Our Team

Rapid Steps is hosted by MIU staff in collaboration with FIP (Free Idol Project). Our volunteer team is made up of about 10 staff members from MIU and FIP alike, working tirelessly to provide the best entertainment possible!

Our Chair
Noba (they/them) is the leader of Midwestern Idol Union and the kaigai idol group Vivariia, idol fan and cosplayer, and a Midwest local. They are also an MC for Rapid Steps!Our Co-Chair/Vendor Liason
Ryn (she/her) is a mod of MIU, a longtime idol fan and aspiring solo idol local to Grand Rapids. Due to a military upbringing, she's lived all around the world, including a few years in Japan as a child, where she gained a love of anime and idols. She's a digital artist by trade, with a passion for creative expression.MC Team
Nat (she/her) is the leader of Free Idol Project, KEY Michigan Idol Training Project, and a Midwestern kaigai idol! She works tirelessly to educate and nuture new and upcoming idols via the training projects organized in the KEY Discord!
"Hi, I'm Nat! I'm most known in the community for founding the FREE IDOL Project in 2020, but becoming an idol has been a lifelong dream. I'm so happy to help build this opportunity for Michigan idols, and I'll do my best to make sure everyone has a great time!!"Raven (he/him) is a staff member of the Free Idol Project, co-leader of the KEY Michigan Idol Training Project, and leader of the kaigai idol group Yume Connect!
"Hiiiiiiiya!! I'm Raven Kurusu!!! Future KING of all idols who's got a bucket hatful of dreams and is singing your song! With Yumecon by my side, I'll never give up on bringing my imagination to life and connecting my dreams back to your reality~! Ganbaraven!!!!"Gaia (they/he/she) is a mod of MIU, a member of MikuPa, idol cosplayer, solo kaigai idol, and a longtime idol fan in the Midwest community!
“Hey!! My name’s Gaia and I'm gonna be an MC for this Rapid Steps Idolfest! I'm a mod for MIU who has a passion for idols and wishing everyone good luck and much more to come!!! See y'all at the fest!!!!”

Our goal

Rapid Steps Idolfest was created out of a desire to spread kaigai idol culture in the Midwest. We hope to give a stage for all kaigai idols to voice their feelings upon, and inspire the next generation of kaigai idols.

Location: DAAC in Grand Rapids, MI

1553 Plainfield Ave NE #4, Grand Rapids, MI 49505Parking
Temporary load in/load out parking, and accessible parking is allowed on Saunders directly across from The DAAC's entrance. Parking is also allowed on the street according to posted signs.We have two parking lot use agreements with Berean Baptist Church and Caliber Collision (across Plainfield). These are shown as big green areas on the map:Street Parking - OK to park according to posted signs.
Caliber Collision (across Plainfield) - OK to park after 5pm week days & all weekend.
Berean Baptist Church lot - except Sunday mornings
NO parking in Quinn & Tuite's lot.

Performer List

Guests

Chiri Girls!
Marching in from Michigan, ChiRi Girls is the kaigai idol duo aiming to put a pep in YOUR step! Since their debut in 2017, Chi and Rori have done multiple performances across the United States with the goal of spreading cheer to everyone they meet! Make sure to cheer as LOUDLY as you can and set your penlights to pink and yellow. Are you ready to join the pep squad?~Sunny Shiro
Waking you up like the morning's gentle light, I'm Sunny ShiRo! I'm an overseas idol and songwriter with a focus on original music. My image colors are white and yellow, and my central themes are about self-improvement and striving to be the best version of yourself! Through my performances, I want to illustrate the happy and bittersweet moments that carry us through life, and bring warmth to those who watch me. Let's bloom together~Rira Rira Ultra
"In the coming spring, I'll bloom anew" Michigan's resilient idol, Rira, returns to the stage to sing of new beginnings and the hope of a wonderful future.Vivariia
Welcome to the terrarium, we are Vivariia! We’re a five member terrarium themed Kaigai idol group based in Illinois and Indiana! We are a group that aims to promote personal growth, while still staying true to yourself. Just like a beautiful flower sprouting from a tiny seed, every idol starts somewhere! So join us, and let’s grow together!

Performing Idols

Rin Rin
I'm a Wyoming based solo kaigai idol! I love to cosplay but my idolsona is based off of a bunny ^^. I'm very new to the scene and always looking for opportunities to make friends and share my singing and dancing with the world!Chérie Ifẹ
"Chérie Ifẹ - An idol from the underworld. " Influenced by gyaru fashion, shoujo manga, and heavy metal, I'm not bound by any particular genre of music. Rather, I have only one goal: to create my own brand of counterculture.AiNi ANGELS
AiNi Angels is a Mid-Michigan original idol duo established in 2024, formed by soloists ABSOLUTE AiDOL and Piki. They are angels who have descended from the heavens with a mission: to spread the joy of idols to humanity. As celestial beings of Love and Light, they believe that through the power of music, dance, and connection, they can inspire and uplift hearts everywhere.Yume Connect
Yume Connect is a make believe idol group that comes from the headspace of group leader Raven Kurusu! Together with his imaginary friends from the Yume Dimension, their ultimate goal as a group is to work together to connect Raven's dream world back to his reality and bring the most Showtime Ultimax performances ever to life! Made up of Magical Miracle Girl Rei Kurusu, Supreme Leader of Evil Neo GX, Just Silver, and of course KING Raven Kurusu, this group will stop at nothing to make sure that they truly showcase the fantastical power of pure imagination through the art of their performances!Nat
"Nat is a pre-debut plant themed kaigai idol and lifelong Michigan resident. Inspired by a love of Vocaloid, Japanese culture, and chlorophyll, her biggest dream is shine enough to create opportunities for overseas idols across the world!
""I'll do my best to plant a seed in your heart so you'll sprout into a fan!"""4ever
4ever is a West Michigan based idol group that aims to showcase a diverse galaxy of idol music! Eclipse is our subunit consisting of the two founding members, Rae and Solar. We hope to light up your heart just like the stars with our fun performances!

Partners

Vivariia

Welcome to the terrarium, we are Vivariia! We’re a five member terrarium themed Kaigai idol group based in Illinois and Indiana! We are a group that aims to promote personal growth, while still staying true to yourself. Just like a beautiful flower sprouting from a tiny seed, every idol starts somewhere! So join us, and let’s grow together!

Free Idol Project

The FREE IDOL Project is a deeply ambitious long-term initiative striving to unite the worldwide idol community & enable anyone to “freely” pursue their own idolhood. First founded in 2020, the FIP serves a vibrant community on discord, but the scope of our vision doesn’t stop there- one of our biggest goals is to create a website where, in addition to providing a platform catered to idols and their fans, we can host events, directly provide resources to the community and serve as a uniting symbol for idols across the globe.By investing in FIP, you are investing in the future of all kaigai idols.

Policies

COVID-19

Rapid Steps Idolfest remains in line with CDC standard prevention guides. We heavily recommend a booster vaccination before the event. Wear a mask if you are immunocompromised or concerned about getting sick, and don't attend if you are sick the day of the event. If you realize you contracted COVID-19 during or before the event, and may have spread it, please contact us via the MIU email or Discord to make an announcement ASAP.

Anti-Harassment

Rapid Steps Idolfest has a strict anti-harassment policy. If you or someone you know experiences stalking, physical or emotional harassment, or feel unsafe in any form, please don't hesitate to contact Rapid Steps administration. We will also have security at the event in marked jackets whom you can speak to if you are concerned for your well-being. Staff and security will take action upon being notified, up to and including removal from venue grounds. We are also willing to take any steps necessary for you to feel safe, whether it be escorting you to your car or contacting local law enforcement.

Minor Attendees

Children 13-18 years of age can attend with a discounted badge. We do not allow children 12 and under at Rapid Steps Idolfest. Children require an ID for entry (school IDs are valid). 13-15 year olds must have an adult accompanying them.

Content Rating

All content at Rapid Steps Idolfest is expected to be PG-13. Any non PG-13 behavior or imagery, including drugs, alcohol, sex, or excessive violence, will be removed from the venue premises.

Lost & Found

During the event, report to the MIU table for any lost items. After the event, contact our email directly, as it will be kept with our staff for up to 3 months.

Tickets & Wristbands

A wristband will be given upon entry that is required for re-entry. Proof of ticket purchase is required. Tickets are not refundable, but you can transfer them to another person before the event by sending us an email at [email protected].

State and City Laws

All attendees are expected to adhere to city and state laws. Failure to do so will result in removal from the premises or contacting local law enforcement.

Cosplay

- Our dress code is gender-neutral. All costumes and clothing must cover the complete buttocks, groin, and breasts areas.
- All clothing must be PG-13. This includes text and images printed on the clothing. Any NSFW clothing is not permitted, including ahegao clothing and bunny suits.
- Shoes are required at all times. Cosplaying a barefoot character is not an excuse.
- Keep in mind that the venue for this year is rather small, so bulky costumes with large props or wings etc. may be difficult.
- No costumes may realistically depict emergency professionals.
- Costumes must abide by the anti-harassment policy.
- Live steel is not allowed. Projectile weapons must be disabled and unloaded, and anything that can be perceived as a real firearm due to color, size, shape, etc. must have an orange tip at point of manufacture (painting it on yourself does not count). No bolts or arrows may be carried unless dull and unfireable. No airsoft guns of any kind are permitted.
- Real firearms are strictly prohibited.

Accessibility

Rapid Steps Idolfest is committed to an accessible event. There is a ramp into the venue and up the stage, and there will be space for wheelchairs or other mobile aids. If you are unable to stand in any lines, please contact a member of MIU staff to arrange accomodations. There may be flashing lights in the show-- if you are photosensitive and want to see any specific performer you'd like to avoid lights, let us know. There will also be places to sit, but they are limited-- if you need a space reserved for you, please contact us. You can reach us via the MIU discord or email, and feel free to ask if there are any accomodations not listed that you may need.

Photo/Video Policy

Rapid Steps attendees should be aware that there are many social media influencers and content makers among idols-- as such, there will be a lot of photos and videos of the event, and you may end up in the background of these recordings. Additionally, staff will be taking recordings of the event that may be used as promotional imagery. We ask that those who are taking photos for personal use be respectful of staff in the event that they need to move out of a shot. Remember, cosplay is not consent! Our anti-harassment policy is active here as well. Be respectful of all attendees as well, and do not record anyone directly without permission.