Aotearoa’s Pacific talent triumphs at global dance champs

The Royal Family dance crew reigns again, after a five-year hiatus.

The iconic crew, led by Teesha Taulepa of Palace Dance Studio, won the top title in the Super Crew Open Division at the 2025 World Dance Crew Championship (WDCC).

With more than 2000 fans packing out the Manukau’s Due Drop Events Centre on Saturday, the win marks a massive comeback for the dance crew after a five-year break from competition.

The Royal Family last dominated the global stage with three back-to-back Mega-Crew titles at the World Hip Hop Dance Championships from 2011 to 2013.

Fellow Aotearoa crew IDCO, led by Joshua Cesan, comes in second. Australia’s Home Base, directed by Laurence and Colette Kaiwai, finishes third.

In the Super Crew Youth Division, YungID (IDCO’s youth team), takes the crown. Tauranga’s Space Pro follows in second, with Australia’s Astro Varsity in third.

After a standout routine, the Adult Division goes to the Philippines’ Folk Jumpers. Crew 24 (IDCO) and LA’s LFG round out the top three.

Australia’s Spliced claims the Youth Division title. IDCO’s True 9INE finishes second, and the Duchesses from Palace Studio take third.

Hard Knockz from Queensland’s Bloodline Dance Company own the Junior Division, ahead of Kstar Junior and Auckland’s Roxy (RGD Studio).

IDCO, led by Joshua Cesan, were second in Super Crew Open Division at the 2025 WDCC. Photo/Supplied.

In the College Division, where secondary school crews earn NCEA dance credits, Rewa All Stars from Manurewa High School take first place. ACDA from Alfriston College comes second, and Avondale College’s Street Dance Crew finishes third.

Alfriston dance teacher Anks Fepulea’i says the event changes lives.

“We’re shifting the mindset. Dance isn’t just a hobby, it’s a pathway,” she says.

Hard Knockz, the junior champs, bring talent and strong cultural roots. Director Hillary Stowers says nearly half of the company is Polynesian.

Rewa All Stars from Manurewa High School take first place in the College Division. Photo/Supplied.

“Seeing Polynesia and Micronesia celebrated on this stage — it’s powerful,” she says.

At the event, dancers also participate in workshops with top choreographers, such as Cesan, Taulepa, and Kaiwai.

Creative New Zealand CEO Stephen Wainwright told the participants at the opening ceremony, “This is more than a competition. It’s a global platform that celebrates culture, supports creative industries, and invests in young people.”