Youth Pacific Dance Initiative
Dance for Unity
Harnessing the power of dance to bridge cultures, empower youth, and expand access to the arts.
Youth Dance Pacific Initiative is a youth-led nonprofit organisation dedicated to opening access to dance and the arts across Aotearoa and the Pacific. At the same time, we aim to preserve and celebrate Pacific dance traditions, using movement as a bridge between cultures and creating spaces for youth to express themselves and connect with their communities.
Free Ballet Classes
We offer free ballet classes for young people, with a focus on Pacific communities where access to formal dance education may be limited.
The New Zealand & Pasifika Dance Competition
The New Zealand and Pasifika Dance Competition is a nationwide initiative created to celebrate, uplift, and preserve the rich cultural identities of New Zealand and Pasifika peoples through dance. This competition aims to provide a platform where people of all ages can share their dances, take pride in their culture, and connect with others across communities.
Prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third place. Registration closes on 10 May 2026. Artists Finemoka Fotuhetule and Amanaki Prescott-Faletau will serve as judges.
The Competition’s Impact
“Fa’afetai tele lava for creating this organization and creating opportunities for young dancers like me. Taking part in the initiatives such as the competition has helped me grow in confidence, improve my performance skills, and continue developing as a dancer.
One of the things I enjoyed most was being able to share my Samoan culture through dance. Dance is an important part of who I am, and it allows me to express pride in my heritage while telling stories that connect people. I believe it is important to unite cultures through dance because it helps us appreciate and learn about one another’s traditions, values, and experiences.
This competition gave me the opportunity to showcase my creativity, passion, and cultural identity. As a young Samoan dancer, it means a lot to have a platform where I can represent my culture and share it with others. Opportunities like this are so important because they encourage young dancers to pursue their goals, build confidence, and stay connected to their cultural roots.
Thank you again for your generosity and for making this initiative possible. Your support helps young dancers like me continue doing what we love while celebrating our cultures through dance.”
~ Tiahna Bennett-Kawana, overall winner of the New Zealand and Pasifika Dance Competition
Watch Now:
“MOANA” - A Ballet and Niue Dance Collaboration
In this dance film, ballet and traditional Niue movement come together as two very different forms of cultural expression. The piece the piece reflects the deep connection of island communities to their surroundings. Created in collaboration with traditional Niuean dancers, the film brings together two seemingly distinct dance cultures in conversation with the land and sea, illuminating how dance can transcend cultural boundaries and be used as a tool to fight against climate change.
HEAR FROM… our Youth Voices
What does it mean to be a Pacific artist?
Kaiata is a Youth Member of Parliament for Teanau Tuiono, being involved in New Zealand’s triennial 11th Youth Parliament, and a proud Cook Islands Creative. She is also an orator and advocate for the development and preservation of the cultural arts in Aotearoa
Meet Our Community
