Dziah Dance Crew are currently making a huge impact in the NZ dance arena. The group has only been together for three years but in that time have formulated a unique style that has become internationally recognised. Four of its members attend St Martin’s Presbyterian Church in Papatoetoe, Auckland.
Dziah is made up of 11 individuals aged between 18 and 25 who between them are trained in contemporary dance, American jazz and gymnastics, as well as having members who are renowned for breakdancing and hip-hop choreography.
Its members are not only multitalented in different dance genres. Dziah is also a multicultural group, with representatives who are Canadian, Niuean, Cambodian, Samoan, Maori, Filipino, Irish and Scottish.
Dziah holds the title of second best dance crew in the world, winning silver at the July 2006 Hiphop World Championship held in Los Angeles. At the same time as training for world championships, Dziah also made a strong contribution to the performing arts and entertainment sector in New Zealand, performing at many top community and corporate events (NZ Printer’s Awards 06, Pasifika 06, Vodafone Events, Fashion Week 06, Ballroom Dance Nationals, to name a few).
While all the dance competitions and performances have kept Dziah dance crew extremely busy, they have also found time to establish their own dance studio - at which they can be found frequently practicing or teaching dance classes open to anyone in the community. Five members of the group have graduated from two years with Excel Performing Arts School, enabling them to pass on their knowledge to others.
Dziah’s latest project, “Desire to Dream”, is a mentoring programme being run out from all over Auckland, in “new school” hip hop as well as encouraging them to dream big and to achieve their goals. The big finale of the eight-week programme is a showcase at the Telstra Events Centre in Manukau.
Although Dziah has achieved internationally to a high standard, its members continue strive for excellence in all that they do. To find out more about Dziah, you phone (09) 274-7966.