World of Dance Nationals
Current Pakūranga College students Ruby Muir, Sonia Poru, and Maddy Story, alongside college alumnae Emily Muir and Bianca Poru, recently competed at the World of Dance Nationals at Due Drop Event Centre. Their team, Republic, claimed 1st place in the team division, qualifying for the World of Dance Summit in Anaheim, California later this year. Way to go, girls!
HHI Nationals
Congratulations to Mataī student, Emily Cooper, for her success at the Hip Hop International National Competition over the holidays! Her team, Regal, from JD Studios placed 1st in the Mini Crew Division qualifying for the worlds competition in Phoenix, Arizona.
Emily also showed her tap moves as a guest performer at the recent World of Dance NZ competition, after World of Dance USA reached out to Tap NZ earlier this year, with an invitation to attend the World of Dance Finals in Los Angeles. Way to go, Emily!
Red Bull Dance Your Style
Dance battle supremo and member of Tōtara Whānau, Peyton Haugh, battled in the Red Bull Dance Your Style National Final on 18 April. She was one of 16 dancers chosen to take part and the youngest person to compete in the event at the age of 17.
Peyton had a tough draw, competing against last year’s defending champion and eventual 2026 winner first up, but had a fantastic day meeting other dancers and experiencing some VIP treatment backstage.
Next up for Peyton is the Project competition in Tauranga, where she’ll be dancing with her crew, Kxllshøt. She also has performances coming up with two other crews, The Collective and Beast.
Asked how she fits it all, Peyton says she is training up to four hours every night to lock in the routines and make every move pop.
“It’s a big commitment for sure. Dancing takes up a lot of my time, but I find it so freeing. I want to give every performance my all and make the people who support me proud.”
Ka pai tō mahi Peyton, we wish you luck for your upcoming events.
