October 2007 - Billie Paea

This month has been busy with preparation for our end of year shows and workshops and we've had a very busy schedule with rehearsals and workshops in the weekends.

Our Desire2Dream Showcase is coming up in a week and the junior, varsity and adult teams who are part of our 10 week programme (which builds dance ability as well character) are all looking sharp with choreographers contributing to the routines. We have some of the top NZ crews performing, with some of them placing at the world champs this year. This event is to acknowledge the teams that have accomplished a lot in hip hop dance throughout the year and it will be an amazing performance.

The studio classes are about to finish up for the year. We've had a lot of new students through and have built a new structure which we will be expanding towards West and North Auckland in years to come. It will be exciting to see what happens next year. Our after school programmes with youth at-risk in the area have been really challenging. We have had a huge commitment from some loyal kids that have been consistent throughout the year and have progressed into our dance studio, which is a great success. They are enjoying themselves and it's a great way to release them from other issues they are facing.

Some of the dance companies I have visited and taught at have had a lot of positive feedback. These networks from all around the North Island want me to provide input into their programmes so they can duplicate what we do in South Auckland. This is what the bigger picture is all about -creating more opportunities for our youth, occupying them before they get into trouble and building their character.

Finally, we had a special guest called Swoop, a dance choreographer from the USA, visit us. He has featured in many films including Stomp the Yard, You Got Served and Saved the Last Dance, and was one of MC Hammers back-up dancers in the 1980s and 1990s. We were extremely lucky to have him in our studio and the kids loved it. Our aim is to bring more choreographers of his calibre into our area to inspire youth and encourage them to get out there and do something they are passionate about.

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