This Is For ONCE: But TWICE Strikes Twice in Dallas
Written by Lorenzo dela Cruz | February 13, 2026
Photos by Skylar Green
On January 31 in Downtown Dallas, something felt different. It was not just the lingering ice from the winter storm the weekend before or the sharp bite of the cold air. Look a little closer at the crowds moving through Victory Park and you could see it. Beneath fleece pullovers and puffer jackets were flashes of pink hoodies, camo cargos, TWICE jerseys and carefully protected photocards. Handmade signs peeked out from tote bags. Candy Bongs glowed softly against the evening sky. TWICE was in town, and ONCE were steadily making their way toward the American Airlines Center for Night 1 of the THIS IS FOR World Tour.
Photos by Skylar Green
Even in the freezing weather, random play dances carried on outside the arena all afternoon, with fans jumping into choreography the second they heard the first notes of their favorite songs. Inside, the arena buzzed with anticipation as VCRs played and fans sang along. In front of them stood the iconic 360-degree stage, composed of nine central platforms, with LED structures suspended in the rafters that rose and lowering to ensure an impressive view from every angle.
Soon, “THIS IS FOR” rang throughout the arena as large LED panels descended from above, concealing the group as they assumed formation. When the panels lifted, the energy was immediate. TWICE moved seamlessly into “Strategy,” “MAKE ME GO,” and “SET ME FREE,” setting the tone for the night. What proved most impressive was the coordination required each time the group shifted formation to face a different side of the stadium. It may appear simple at first glance, but rotating full choreographies in the round demands hours of rehearsal and acute spatial awareness. Throughout the night, after each ment the members concluded with, “This is for ONCE!” and the crowd answered in unison, “This is for TWICE!”
Photos by Skylar Green | TWICE Mina
The night carried an added layer of meaning as Jihyo performed while sick and Dahyun managed an injury that required her to sit for most of the show. During ments, Jihyo’s voice was softer and measured, but once the music began she delivered with focus and control, conserving energy for her signature belts and runs while still powering through choreography, including a commanding performance of “ATM.” Dahyun never let her energy waver. Whether seated or standing, she continued to wave, interact with fans and join choreography when possible, smiling brightly at all times. Both members pushed through with visible professionalism, and ONCE responded with unwavering support. Another highlight of the solo performances was Nayeon’s “MEEEEEE,” with the lyrics “Don’t play with a girl like me,” echoing endlessly throughout the arena. Cheers rang as Nayeon and a group of dancers slowly rose on the central platform, a definite crowd favorite from the night.
Later in the show, the unit stage of Jeongyeon, Jihyo and Chaeyoung performing “TAKEDOWN” marked a clear highlight. As K-pop and Asian pop culture continue to cement their place in the mainstream, TWICE stands firmly within the current zeitgeist, notably through their feature on the KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack. In Dallas, the response to “TAKEDOWN” reflected that cultural reach. As the trio took the stage as HUNTRIX, the crowd roared instantly, matching the track’s intensity beat for beat. The moment felt current and fully aligned with TWICE’s presence across music, media and global pop culture conversations.
Act IV returned to full-group spectacle with “FANCY,” “What Is Love?,” “YES or YES,” “Dance the Night Away,” and “ONE SPARK.” These classics triggered some of the loudest chants of the evening. A giant Candy Bong made it onto the big screen, prompting the members to playfully ask how much it cost to make. During the dance cam showdown, fans eagerly performed songs like “Likey,” proving how much dedication ONCE put into learning the choreography themselves.
Despite loud chants for “TT” during the encore, fans were treated to the U.S. tour debut of “Doughnut.” The members spread across the stage, waving and forming doughnut shapes above their heads. Nayeon playfully danced at center stage, interacting with members as they passed by. As the night came to a close, each member offered heartfelt goodbyes, and it felt as though something significant had unfolded in real time.
This night was for ONCE, who showed up ready to sing every word and support the members through every moment. And it was for TWICE, who gave everything they had in return.
