‘Olympics' next stop for crew
Rasa School of Dance world qualifying dance crew Allies (from left) coach Danielle Veenvliet and her dancers Maya Satake, 18, Safera Wintrup, 17, Amber Woods, 14, Charlotte Cardno, 17, Toby Paris, 15, Ruby Martin, 14, and Emily Aubin, 15, with the dance school's principal Lisa Wilkinson. PHOTO: GREGOR RICHARDSON
A Dunedin choreographer was in shock when she found out her crew had qualified for the "Olympics of hip-hop".
Rasa School of Dance hip-hop crew Allies has qualified for the World Hip-Hop Dance Championship, which will be held in Pheonix, Arizona, in July this year.
Allies coach Danielle Veenvliet said it was a surreal moment when the crew found out they had finished fourth at the New Zealand Hip-Hop Dance Championship at the weekend.
"We were shocked and over the moon.
"It just proved to us and the kids that you don't have to be from the North Island to succeed."
Ms Veenvliet said the world championships were where New Zealand dancer Parris Goebel, who has choreographed for Beyonce and Rihanna, began her competitive career.
"It's essentially what everyone refers to as the Olympics of hip-hop," she said.
"It's a really an amazing platform for the best of the best in the world to accelerate their career."
She had gone to the competition herself as a solo contender in 2017 and was proud to go back as a coach.
"When I was their age, that was my biggest dream.
"Eight years later, I can use those skills and help the next generation live their dreams."
Ms Veenvliet started coaching the Allies crew 10 years ago, and the present crop of dancers was the best she had taught.
"They've exceeded my expectations already.
This is the hardest working team I've ever had and the bond between these guys is unbreakable."
For the next couple months, the crew will be focusing on dancing, fitness and fundraising.
• Rasa dance duos Rulaz — dancers Ruby Martin and Jeila Morrison — and 2 Lanky — Charlotte Cardno and Toby Paris — finished second and third respectively at the Duo Varsity Championships at the weekend.
mark.john@odt.co.nz
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