31 Oct 2024
A partnership under Creative New Zealand’s Pacific Arts Strategy has empowered 25 young dancers to train and perform across eight countries in Europe this year.
A partnership under Creative New Zealand’s Pacific Arts Strategy has empowered 25 young dancers to train and perform across eight countries in Europe this year.
The Hip Hop Youth Development Initiative offers a 12-month training program for young dancers. Under the supervision of internationally recognized choreographer Parris Goebel, the dancers have performed in sold-out shows and participated in skill-sharing workshops in New Zealand and globally.
Global artist Parris Goebel is committed to excellence and taking the best of New Zealand and Pacific talent to the world. She says the success of the youth initiative includes a focus on the dancers’ dedication to excellence and the life skills they gain, such as leadership, discipline, punctuality, and teamwork.
‘The training and programme teach youth that they can achieve anything through hard work. The strategic partnership and investment from Creative New Zealand allow talented and hardworking young people to dream big and aspire to professional careers in dance around the world,’ Parris says.
The dancers have been touring since September across eight countries - Netherlands, Italy, England, Spain, Romania, Germany, France, and Bulgaria. In the past year and as part of the strategic initiative, the dancers have showcased their talents in hip hop Royal Family Tours in Singapore, London, the USA, and at FIFA events in Australia.
All participants are either in secondary school, tertiary education, or working full-time. The skills they acquire at the Palace Dance Studio in Manukau enable them to perform with The Royal Family company, founded by Parris Goebel.
‘Parris is a global phenomenon and an inspiration to people everywhere,’ says Makerita Urale, Senior Manager, Pacific Arts.
‘We are in the third year of this partnership to invest in exciting opportunities for young dancers to learn and train from the best. Dancing to audiences around the world is extraordinary and our young trainees can build professional international careers, just like Parris. Her Polynesian heritage informs her Polyswagg dance style, and her values and vision are powerful – it is a great strategic partnership and investment in the future of Pacific arts, globally,’ Makerita says.
The trainee dancers have also performed to sold-out audiences across the North Island, including Auckland, Wellington, Tauranga, Napier, and Palmerston North. Internationally, 20 female dancers were invited to perform in Dubai, with additional performances in London and Singapore. They also participated in the Monsters of Hip Hop Dance Convention in New Jersey, USA, and the ‘Hit the Floor’ dance competition in Canada.
Recent Highlights
In May/June 2024, the dancers collaborated with Parris Goebel on her ‘Vogue World Show’ in Paris. The Royal Family also travelled to Sydney and came second in the Open Super Crew Division.
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