DANZWorld Dance Crew Championship (WDCC) Set to Open with Powerful Ceremony on Sunday in Manukau.
Auckland, NZ – The world’s spotlight will turn to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland from Sunday as the World Dance Crew Championship (WDCC) opens in spectacular fashion at the Due Drop Events Centre in Manukau. A powerful Opening Ceremony on Sunday will welcome international dancers from across the globe and honour Aotearoa’s own world-class talent – in a celebration of culture, creativity, and connection.
The evening will feature an unforgettable live performance by Stan Walker, marking the release of his new anthem Mō Āke Tonu – a bold, collaborative waiata inspired by indigenous voices past and present. Stan will be joined in an exclusive on-stage collaboration with Angitū Kapa Haka and the genre-breaking DJ Lady Shaka, herself a former member of Parris Goebel’s Royal Family dance crew. Also taking the stage is Ura Tabu Pacific Dance Collective – a female-led creative powerhouse that brings courageous, meaningful movement to life. Their work reflects the deep value of Indigenous knowledge systems and honours the sacred nature of Pacific dance.
A formal pōwhiri led by kaumātua from Tainui Waka will welcome crews from around the world. Manurewa High School’s Te Ahikaaroa will perform their spectacular kapa haka for guests, with the college returning later in the week to compete in the College Dance Crew Championship - a division within WDCC where schools from across the country will compete.
“This is a truly fitting way to open such a globally significant event,” says Event Director Bayon Kim. “It’s a powerful expression of the elite talent we have in Aotearoa – not just in dance, but in music, cultural performance, and creativity. We’re proud to welcome the world to our home and honour our local dance community who regularly represent our country so powerfully on the world stage”.
American dancer, Danyel Moulton is bringing a 9-member all female crew to New Zealand from Los Angeles, and is looking forward to the opening ceremony as a valuable opportunity to experience New Zealand’s rich Māori and Pasifika culture, along with its vibrant dance scene. "We are beyond excited!" says Moulton. “Visiting New Zealand has been a goal for over a decade. I know it’s a beautiful country full of nature and stunning sights. I’ve been moved to tears watching New Zealand perform the haka at Hip Hop Competition openers. Now, to be able to experience and honor that culture in person is truly special.”
The World Dance Crew Championship will be held at the Due Drop Events Centre from April 13–19. Throughout the week, dancers will compete in divisions including Junior (under 12), Youth (13–17), Adult (18+), and Super Crew. Workshops will offer attendees the chance to participate and learn from elite dancers. The College Dance Crew Championship will take place on Friday, April 18, with the World Dance Crew Championship Finals happening on Saturday, April 19. Tickets are on sale now, starting from $15. The World Dance Crew Championship (WDCC) is supported by New Zealand Major Events, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, and Creative New Zealand Pacific Arts.
https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2025/world-dance-crew-championship/auckland/manukau-city
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Released on behalf of World Dance Crew Championship (WDCC) by These Guys I Know. Please contact Amanda on amanda@theseguysiknow.co.nz or 0274339840 for further information.
About the World Dance Crew Championship (WDCC)
Between April 13th and 19th, New Zealand will host the World Dance Crew Championship (WDCC), the largest event of its kind at Due Drop Events Centre in Manukau, Auckland, This prestigious global dance competition brings together top dance crews from around the world to compete in Aotearoa, showcasing the best in hip-hop, street, and urban dance styles. WDCC provides a world-class platform for dancers to push creative boundaries, showcase their skills, and connect with an international audience.
Crews from across the globe, including Japan, Australia, the Philippines, and the United States, will be taking part in the competition. For local dancers, this is a rare and exciting opportunity to perform on home soil alongside the best in the world, while hosting international competitors and showcasing New Zealand’s vibrant dance and performance scene.
In 2025, New Zealand will host this event for the first time, welcoming some of the world’s most elite crews, including New Zealand’s own renowned groups, IDCO (Identity Dance Company) and The Royal Family, both of which will be competing this year.
More than just a competition, WDCC is a cultural movement that unites dance communities worldwide, fosters artistic growth, and inspires future generations of performers. With qualifiers held globally, the finals will take place in New Zealand, where local dance crews will compete alongside international talent.
In addition to the main event, the College Dance Crew Championship (CDCC) will provide a unique opportunity for New Zealand's college dance crews to participate, offering a platform for emerging talent across the country.
Spectators are welcome throughout the competition. Tickets for the week are on sale now through Eventfinda
WDCC Schedule
Sunday 13 April | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM – Opening Ceremony
A high-energy invite only event for competitors featuring special guests and performers.
Monday 14 April 10am - 8pm - Prelims
10am-12 Junior Prelims (12 and under)
1pm - 5pm Youth Prelims (13-17)
6pm- 8pm Adult Prelims (18+)
Tuesday 15 April 2pm - 9pm - Super Crew Prelims
2pm - 5pm Youth Super Crew
6pm - 9pm Open Super Crew
Wednesday 16 April
10am - 12pm Junior Semi Final
2pm - 5pm Youth Semi Final
7pm - 9pm Adult Semi Final
Thursday 17 April
1pm - 4pm Youth Super Crew Semi Final
6pm - 9pm Open Super Crew Semi Final
Friday 18 April
12pm - 3pm Workshops
Free for dancers, open to public.
3 workshops hosted by IDCO’s Joshua Cesan, Royal Family’s Teesha Siale and Colette Kaiwai from Australia’s Home Base.
5pm - 7pm College Dance Crew Championship (CDCC)
High school crews from across New Zealand compete for the title of #1 College Dance Crew.
8pm - 11pm 2x2 Battles
Saturday 19 April | 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM – WDCC Finals Night
1pm - 4pm Junior, Youth, Adult divisions finals
5pm - 9pm Youth Super Crew & Open Super Crew finals
(Note - The top three CDCC crews perform at the World Dance Crew Championship Final)
College Dance Crew Championship (CDCC)
College Dance Crew Championship (CDCC) presented by World Dance Crew Championship (WDCC) is an exciting new annual competition. It provides a golden opportunity for high school students across New Zealand to showcase their passion and creativity through dance.
● Held during the April school holidays, CDCC celebrates and elevates the vibrant dance culture in New Zealand, offering young dancers a platform to express themselves, grow their skills, and gain professional experience on a world stage.
● On Friday April 18, during WDCC, CDCC crews will compete to be crowned the number one college dance crew in New Zealand.
● On Saturday April 19, the top three crews will perform at the World Dance Crew Championship Final, giving them the chance to share the stage with world-class dance crews in front of a global audience.
● CDCC also supports students' artistic and academic growth, offering participants the opportunity to earn NCEA credits while developing their craft.
● This competition fosters inclusivity, encouraging participation from diverse backgrounds, strengthening the connection between schools and the arts, and highlighting the importance of creative education in students’ overall development.
● Colleges competing in CDCC include -
○ Taupo-Nui-A-Tia College - Taupo
○ John Paul College – Rotorua
○ Manurewa High School – Auckland
○ Avondale College – Auckland
○ Papakura High School – Auckland
○ Howick College – Auckland
○ Orewa College – Auckland
○ Rotorua Girls High School – Rotorua
○ Alfriston College – Auckland
○ Saint Kentigern – Auckland
○ Albany Senior High School – Auckland
- Pukekohe High School – Auckland
WDCC Divisions
WDCC features multiple divisions, allowing dancers of all ages and crew sizes to compete:
Junior Division
● Crew Size: 5-9 dancers
● Age: 12 years & under (as of Dec 31, 2024)
Youth Division
● Crew Size: 5-9 dancers
● Age: 13-17 years (option to include up to 3 junior-age dancers)
Adult Division
● Crew Size: 5-9 dancers
● Age: 18+ years (option to include up to 3 youth-age dancers)
Youth Super Crew Division
● Crew Size: 15-40 dancers
● Age: 17 & under (as of Dec 31, 2024)
● Props: Small handheld props allowed
Open Super Crew Division
● Crew Size: 15-40 dancers
● Age: Open to all ages
● Props: Small handheld props allowed
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