Creative New Zealand Pacific Arts proudly announces partnership ahead of the World Dance Crew Championship (WDCC) in Auckland

‘This is a major global event that has socio-economic and cultural benefits for the arts and Auckland hosting the event for the first time and a fantastic platform for developing and showcasing excellence in hip hop dance and investing in the future of our creative industries and young people,’ says Stephen Wainwright, CE of Creative New Zealand.

Creative New Zealand has supported dance development for decades, across various dance genres, including hip hop dance. The event is a major milestone for New Zealand as a cultural destination for awesome arts experiences and, more importantly, an opportunity for kiwi dancers and the community to be part of a global event. 

Joseph 'Asi, 22, a dancer and choreographer taking part in WDCC says ‘I’m excited to see some of our top crews come together to compete and share on such a large platform! I’m also really excited for dancers travelling to NZ to come and witness our community. As a country we have some of the most talented dancers in the world. I have been training Retaliate, an all-girls crew, and am looking forward to showing off what we've been working on.’

‘We are excited to support New Zealand dancers, choreographers, young people and school teams in the hip hop dance genre where kiwis such as Parris Goebel have excelled and influenced creativity and culture around the motu and across the globe. Our investment in youth internships and skills development from industry experts, building relationships and networks nationally and internationally will support future careers and strengthen our arts ecosystem,’ says Makerita Urale, Senior Manager, Pacific Arts. 

Creative New Zealand Pacific Arts also partner in a Hip-Hop Dance Youth Development Initiative with Parris Goebel’s Palace Dance Studio, where 25 youth took part in a major international tour to eight countries in Europe last year. 

‘Our strategic development is a long-term vision, and our previous investments have seen kiwi dancers and choreographers develop international careers in dance. This partnership with WDCC is part of many years of work across the arts ecosystem, and planning towards a future where New Zealand creatives and artists have sustainable opportunities for themselves, their families and our communities,’ says Makerita. 

A priority of the Pacific Arts Strategy 2023 – 2028 is ‘strengthening strategic partnerships and collaborations’ and focus areas Vaka – skills development, Va – building networks and relationships including global strengthening for worldwide opportunities and Tagata – leadership development. 

The patron of the WDCC is Parris Goebel, a former recipient of the Creative New Zealand Arts Pasifika Awards and founder of the Royal Family and Palace Dance Studios in Auckland which has provided world class training and development for young people for more than a decade, as well as international touring experience and overseas work.

The World Dance Crew Championship will be held at the Due Drop Events Centre from April 13–19. The College Dance Crew Championship will take place on Friday, April 18, with the World Dance Crew Championship Finals happening on Saturday, April 19. Tickets are on sale now, starting from $15. The World Dance Crew Championship (WDCC) is supported by New Zealand Major Events, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, and Creative New Zealand Pacific Arts.

https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2025/world-dance-crew-championship/auckland/manukau-city 

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