Hip hop dance performances showcase emerging talent

Dziah hip hop dance crew. File Picture / Dean Purcell

After placing second in this year's World Hip Hop Championships, Dziah Dance Crew wanted to give something back to the community they grew up in.

Taking on three crews of 20 performers, the Otara-based dance group began Desire to Dream - an eight-week mentoring programme, which will culminate in two night's of hip hop magic at the end of the month.

The Desire to Dream performances will feature top hip hop talent from around the country, as well as three emerging crews trained by Dziah.

Show director Billy Paea said Dziah's decision to mentor aspiring dancers was a "long-time coming".

"We've been around two years now and been to the world champs twice. We wanted to bring back everything we learned overseas and share it with other people," said the 25-year-old dancer.

The internationally renowned hip hop crew auditioned dancers from throughout Auckland, before selecting 60 people to join the programme.

The three crews are age specific, featuring juniors (7-13 years), varsity (14-18 years) and open (18+).

Paea said the group's ultimate goal was to establish an ongoing programme for youth at risk.

He said all of Dziah's members had grown up in the south Auckland area and come from similar, disadvantaged backgrounds.

"We've come from the streets to establishing our own studio," said Paea.

"A lot of the kids we see have no hopes or dreams, they can't see past the end of their road.

"By getting them involved in something, we're giving them a positive message and building their self-confidence. We're giving them a chance to see the bigger world."

Desire to Dream showcases will take place at TelstraClear Pacific in Manukau, today and tomorrow, at 8pm.

Pre-sale tickets are available via Ticketmaster, $17 per adult. Door sales are $20.