• Discover the evolution of Aotearoa’s dance landscape as we trace the remarkable journey of Street Candee and The Candee Collective, founded and led by visionary Rina Chae—a trailblazer whose international success brought a new level of artistry, professionalism, and empowerment to New Zealand’s dance community.

• Follow Rina Chae’s path from New Zealand to Los Angeles in 2009, where she spent six formative years performing alongside Beyoncé (2014 MTV Music Awards), Chris Brown, Ne-Yo, Justin Bieber, and in music videos for top artists like Enrique Iglesias and Kanye West. Her LA experiences not only refined her skills but also inspired her unique vision for dance in NZ.

• In late 2014, Rina’s return to NZ set off a cultural wave. Sensing a lack of platforms celebrating powerful femininity and artistic expression, she launched Street Candee in 2015—an all-female ensemble known for sultry hip hop, jazz funk, waacking, and stage prowess. Instantly, they became industry leaders, captivating huge audiences at X Factor NZ, FIFA World Cup ceremonies, Coca Cola Christmas in the Park, and high-profile tours.

• Street Candee became a force for representation and activism, exemplified by the “Flawless: Female Artists Empowerment Concert.”

• The Candee Collective emerged as an umbrella organization, housing diverse specialty units—Candee Waackers (waacking), House of Candee (vogue/ballroom), heels dancers, krumpers, and more. As “Mother” of Imperial House of Waacking NZ, Rina Chae created vital links to global street dance pioneers and culture bearers.

• Key figures exemplify the depth of the collective:

  • Angelica Zueva: founding member, acclaimed dancer, DJ, K-pop performer, national event leader.
  • Emma-Kate Putnam: joined at 17, made it in NY/LA (Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande), returned to nurture NZ’s next generation.
  • Heidi Chen: multi-style prodigy, K-pop industry choreographer, waacking/vogue educator.
  • Natasha Katavich (“Lady T”): Moulin Rouge Paris performer, expert popper.
  • Grace Stevens: jazz champion, Galen Hooks’ LA assistant.
  • Alexandra Page, Kirsten Ocampo, Earl de Castro, and more, all contributing as dancers, community leaders, and cultural educators.

• Their influence extends beyond performance—prolific in TV, commercials (KFC, Samsung, TVNZ, Air NZ safety video), music videos, Cook Islands tours, and major festivals. Collaborators and protégés are now global talents, from Moulin Rouge, Street Girl Fighter TV show (En Beatz), to K-pop’s main stages (Jasmine, Alice, Jessica).

• Education and social impact are central:

  • Street Candee/Candee Collective offer weekly classes, workshops, open jams, and rookie-friendly battles (Valentine's Waacking Battles, K-pop Academy), cultivating resilience, community, and artistic growth.

• Recent controversy in the New Zealand street dance scene:

  • Paris Goebbel's Royal Family Dancers were accused of copying choreography and questioned on battle etiquette on the Korean MNET show Street Woman Fighter.
  • We delve into questions of originality, inspiration vs. imitation, and cultural appropriation
  • How do NZ’s femme collectives set themselves apart? By prioritizing upskilling, mentorship, authentic street dance education, and honoring cultural roots, Street Candee and Candee Collective serve as role models—investing in substance over spectacle.

• Notable events and milestones underscored:

  • “Flawless” Concert (2015), Poi Wai Festival (HIV/AIDS awareness), World of Dance NZ (2023, 2024 champions), Ladies of Hip Hop Aotearoa (annual, with international guests), SDNZ, HHI USA Finals, and massive community-driven showcases at Auckland Town Hall and Spark Arena.

• Final takeaway:

  • Street Candee and The Candee Collective have redefined female and street dance in NZ—not just performing, but empowering, educating, and connecting local artistry to the global stage.

  Show notes

Join us as we uncover how Auckland—Tāmaki Makaurau—became the epicenter of a uniquely Kiwi movement, forever changing the way house music and dance are expressed in the Pacific.

We map the pioneering path from the first inspired jams and local tracks, to the rise of influential venues like Kinetic Dance Studio, HIT Dance Studio and En Beat Dance Academy. Discover the role of legacy spaces like Grey Lynn Community Center, Empire Studios and TST Studios in shaping the culture, and how fierce events in other cities—like Swagfest in Hamilton—helped light the spark for a nationwide movement.

Meet the visionaries and powerhouses propelling the house dance movement in Aotearoa forward. We highlight foundational figures like Lawrence Liew and Jasmine Cox—early house dance champions and co-founders of House Dance NZ, whose dedication built a bridge from grassroots jams to formal studios. Learn how Jasmine’s roots with Plague Dance Crew and Lawrence’s prowess in teaching helped lay the community’s foundation.

Explore the dynamism of Sheldon Rua—aka Scent—whose leadership of Faleheddz turned a passion for house into a South Pacific powerhouse, creating open jams, thrilling battles, and cross-cultural connection every Thursday at Kinetic Studio.

Hear how Mr. Zee (Zedrik Nufable) steered the 603 Boogie Squad and co-directed En Beat Dance Academy, nurturing both beginners and future champions, and how his regular Monday cyphers with Hip Hop House Headz Aotearoa keep the culture thriving.

Get to know today’s icons: John Vaifale—“Happy Feet”—Red Bull champion, DJ, and MC infusing every event with boundless energy; John Bernardo "JB", the ever-generous teacher who built skills at TST and beyond; and Gabriel Nito, a three-crew powerhouse and passionate instructor at HIT, Flow Motion, and 603 Boogie. Experience the MC mastery of Ken Vaega (Lightsaber), orchestrating battles, throwdowns, and the joyous chaos of jam circles. Discover the vision behind Kinetic Dance Studio from founders Mitchell & Matthew Yee and Timothy Choy, plus the visionary event direction of Rina Chae at En Beat Dance Academy.

We spotlight the crews and organizations shaping the scene: from House Dance NZ and the community-building Faleheddz movement, to the electrifying HipHop House Headz Aotearoa, project-makers Projekt Team, the ever-evolving Flow Motion Dance Crew, the historic Plague Dance Crew, and the Monday night magic of LH Combine.

Relive signature battles—like the high-stakes Battlezone (with 2024 champ Sheldon Rua), the legendary Britomart Backyard Battles hosted by Faleheddz, the unforgettable Swagfest win by Sheldon & Kokonut in Hamilton, and crowd-favorite events like Funk In Da House at Zong Kitchen, and Ladies of Hip Hop Aotearoa 2025, which featured international House dance icon Toyin Sogruro.

Show notes

This episode takes you on a journey through four decades of movement, community, and identity in New Zealand’s hip-hop dance world.

The Arrival & Early Waves (1980s–1990s)

• Popping debuted in NZ in the early 1980s as part of the breakdancing craze, propelled by TV, movies, and strong links with American and Western Samoa.
• “Bopping,” the Samoan-accented adaptation, points to deep Pacific influence in the style’s local roots.

The Resurgence & Reinvention (2000s–Today)

• The 2000s saw renewal and explosion of workshops, battles, and initiatives, uniting old-school roots with adventurous fusion and uniquely Kiwi flavor.
• Dancers began integrating global innovations with NZ’s identity, laying the groundwork for today’s vibrant community.

Architects of the Scene: Pioneers, Leaders & Artists

• Ross Smith aka Future / Ra Smith: Wellington OG; taught technique and philosophy to the 2000s generation, repping NZ locally and internationally.
• River Vili aka Mase Boog: Over 29 years in popping/boogaloo; mentored by Suga Pop (Electric Boogaloos); a direct link to global pioneers and culture bearer; frequent workshop teacher.
• Diana Hu aka Dianamite: Popping, boogaloo, and breaking specialist; built the Auckland Popping Community (APC); organized jams, pivotal workshops (Mr. Wiggles, Hozin), and international exchanges; member of Boogiehood Connection and other crews.
• Taupuhi Toki aka Taupz/Papa Smurf: Breaking legend, popping scene torchbearer during lean years, grassroots battle/jam pioneer (Queen St jams, Vulcan Lane); active MC and teacher.
• Sejoo Han: Major new-generation leader and “popping powerhouse”; pivotal in reviving regular jams/classes post-2010; collaborative organizer and battle champion; facilitates APC’s current activities.
• Seidah Tuoai: Aotearoa-born Samoan/Cook Island artist, creator of the globally acclaimed “Popping Puletasi”—an innovative fusion of Samoan dance, attire, and popping; workshop leader and film-maker.
• Mr Zee (Zed Nufable): NZ/AU street dance mainstay since the 1980s, international judge, coach (603 Boogie Squad), and educator.
• Many others: Lawrence Liew, Josh “JR” Rumbold, John “Happyfeet” Vaifale (Red Bull champion), Stacey Meng “8face Baby XIII” (youth world champ), Tanky Zong, Daniel Bispo, Popn Ten, Mike Qu, Fan Wang, Teddy, Gino Borromeo, Dezhan Roberts, Justin Ki-Hyun Sung, Popping Octaves (NZ’s Got Talent), Jackal NZ, Kenpachi, Popping Drew (Endshot), Sam Yang, Ezra Bush, Raw Skeen, Tim Cheung, David Yan, Gabriela Quinsacara, and more—each a vital thread in NZ’s story.

Pillars of Community: Organizations & Crews

• Auckland Popping Community/Club (APC): The central hub—Facebook group, now Instagram—hosts free jams, events, and info exchange. Rebranded in 2023, revitalizing its legacy.
• Venues: City Dance Studio (iconic 2010s home); Momentum/MMM Studios; Kinetic Studio (modern hub, home to Friday jams); En Beat Dance Academy, The Spreading Tree, Neverland Studios—these platforms anchor regular jams, classes, and workshops.
• 603 Boogie Squad: A key popping/locking crew (15+ years); notable members and guest instructors.
• Projekt Team, Hopskotch Dance TV, Street Talk NZ, Boogiehood Connection, Instance Movement: Diverse collectives contributing workshops, battle series, and vital archival documentation.
• FL09 (Flow 09): Torch officially passed to this new-gen team in 2024, symbolizing community continuity.

Defining Events, Battles, & Showcases

• NZ Battlegrounds (Hamilton): Epic 1v1 popping showdowns; qualifiers for Australia’s dance championships.
• Te Oro Dance Battles: Celebrating street dance’s legacy with breaking/popping and live music.
• Pop What You Got: Auckland’s signature tournament—showcases veterans, rising stars, and international guests.
• Pop, Lock & Break: Multi-style 3v3 events, inclusive and celebratory.
• Vulcan Lane Battles, Popping Under the Stars, Silo Social, online jams (during COVID)—all foster belonging and innovation.

Show notes

Unpack the untold, electrifying story of locking in Aotearoa with this rich, deeply researched episode—a sweeping journey across decades as we trace the roots, rise, and revolution of New Zealand’s locking dance scene.

We open by shining a spotlight on the OGs and early pioneers—the individuals whose flavor, tenacity, and flair laid down the first funk fever in the Kiwi street dance landscape. Meet Locking Lizah and Vaugh Aiono of the formative crew BoogieHood Connection, igniting explosive battles like the legendary “Rock The Top 1.0” in 2008. Experience the roots of competition and kinship as we unearth the story of Joshua “Kokonut/Koko Lock” Mitikulena—battler, founder of Projekt Team and Hopskotch, Boogie Zone Global Showcase veteran, and pivotal spark for a movement.

Delve into the backbone of NZ locking: the dedicated organizations, creative crews, and digital collectives archiving every step, beat, and story. From the ever-active NZ Lockers Facebook group and the visually vibrant NZ Campbellockers Instagram (spearheaded by John Bernardo), to dynamic venues such as Kinetic Studio, En Beat Dance Academy, and the legacy TST Studio, this episode is a backstage pass to every incubator of energy, artistry, and community in the Aotearoa locking world. We also celebrate the tireless documentation by Street Talk NZ and Hopskotch Dance TV, and the digital footprint carved by LH Combine’s “Lock It In” event series.

Witness the scene’s transformation from raw jams and grassroots battles to a thriving, structured network driven by leaders who merge the old school with the next wave. Hear first-hand from the next generation of icons:

• Kat Walker (Katto Lock), the spontaneous soul and trusted educator nurturing raw talent
• Mele “Marshmele” Taeiloa, educator, performer, and judge guiding young dancers at Manurewa High School and beyond
• John Bernardo (JB/Prevail), a powerhouse mentor, educator, and leader of NZ Campbellockers
• John Vaifale (HappyFeet), whose multi-style mastery and cultural fusion shape every cypher and battle
• Zed Nufable (Mr. Zee/BoogiebotZee) and Rina Chae, the driving force behind En Beat Dance Academy and the Ladies of Hip Hop Aotearoa movement for women in street dance

Relive milestone events and legendary battles—Rock the Top 1.0 (2008), the surge of structured contests like Battlegrounds NZ, and the new school’s competitive heartbeat: Pop, Lock & Break It, Lock It In, and Red Bull Dance Your Style NZ. Discover the historic weekly locking workshops at Manurewa High—initiated by Bernardo, Taeiloa, Walker, and HappyFeet—which became a crucible for new generations, embedding foundational power and cultural connection.

We reflect on vital turning points, from the rise of mentorship as “free cheat codes,” to the enduring role of Māori and Pacific Island youth in giving locking renewed voice and mana in Aotearoa.

Hear how luminaries like John Bernardo contend with the challenges: authenticity versus commercialization, fading OGs, the urgent mission to honor Black cultural roots, and why community comes before the dance itself.

With its vibrant present and promising future, New Zealand’s locking scene is alive—a living fabric woven from cypher jams, celebration, and deep respect. Join us as we honor its roots, its keepers, and its dazzling new stars, ensuring this powerful legacy continues to “lock” in generations to come.

Show notes

From underground battles to packed theatres and viral online jams, the story of Krump in Aotearoa New Zealand is one of raw energy, community roots, and creative evolution. In this electrifying episode, we trace Krump’s powerful journey on these shores—chronicling the pioneers, legendary battles, family lineages, and the next generation pushing boundaries in the art form.

We begin with the spark that lit up New Zealand’s Krump scene: the arrival of *Rize* (2005), David LaChapelle’s landmark documentary. As the film circulated in festivals and bootleg DVDs, young dancers in Auckland and beyond were captivated. Aaron Hardy (AE) sparked the early fire in Auckland, soon joined by figures like Kevin Griffiths (AKC), Luny/Alien and his Mangere fam, and Israel Adesanya (then known as Black Majik, now a global MMA star). Out West, groups like ICK (Ice Cream Krumpers), OBC, and the Underground Kings began gathering for sessions and early battles, with the first NZ Krump competition hosted by Joash Fahitua. Regions like Waikato, Rotorua, Wanganui, Bay of Plenty, Hawkes Bay, and Wellington found their own beat, with collectives such as The Villainz, Bully Nerdz, and local crews electrifying youth culture.

The late 2000s saw legendary events like Krump VS B-Boyz, Heart of Krump NZ, and Tommy the Clown’s 2007 tour, which brought “clowning” and anti-gang inspiration to Auckland schools. These early years laid down the roots—instilling in Krump New Zealand’s values of expressive movement, community, and resilience.

Through the 2010s, formal competitions cemented Krump as a vital, community-driven art form. The NZ Krump Nationals (2011–2019) became a proving ground for local and emerging talent, with divisions for “Lil Homie,” “Big Homie,” and “Fam Clash,” and battles streaming online for fans across the world. The Krump Aotearoa network helped connect dancers nationwide. As the culture matured, iconic leaders emerged: Ken Vaega (Lightsaber), who went on to win the 2018 World Krump Championship and founded Lighthouse Fam; Ennoalla Paea-Vaega, champion of all-female crews and Krump theatre; Chris Teava of EXCBS fame; Trenton Omeri (12AF), force behind 12 Fam; Byrin Mita (XIII), who infused Krump with indigenous identity, haka, and youth mentorship; and “Happy Feet” John Vaifale, a movement legend with titles at home and abroad.

The modern era sees Krump adapting to the digital age. Online events like KN21 and the ever-growing Beatdown Series (Kidz, Younginz, Rookies, Heavy Hitters, 7 to Smoke), Labyrinth Sessions, and King of Buck qualifiers keep the community battle-ready and engaged—even in lockdown. Rising stars and crews—like LH Combine (merging Lighthouse/Watchmin), XIII WRLD (youth-soaked innovation), Hyperush Empire, and EXCBS—anchor new generations. Dedicated organisers (Pax, Flyhigh, Severe) ensure Auckland’s Silo Sessions remain open hubs for Krumpers.

International successes continue with prodigies like Stacy Meng (Baby XIII), Step Ya Game Up NY champ; Samuel Han (Kid XIII); and siblings Raul and Rian Gounder (Yg Lightsaber and Prince Lightsaber), who bring trophies back from world youth battles. Artists like Caitlyn Dulcie (Miss Earth NZ 2023) and Israel Adesanya keep expanding what Krump can mean for Aotearoa.

But above all, Krump’s evolution in New Zealand is defined by its tight-knit, intergenerational spirit. Events focus as much on “Kidz,” “Rookiez,” and “Younginz” as on open battles, passing down knowledge and nurturing diverse, confident voices. The krump fam structure—EXCBS, LH Combine, XIII WRLD, Hyperush Empire, and more—fosters mentorship, female empowerment, Māori and Pacific pride, and resilience.

Tune in as we celebrate the beats, the battles, the families, and the mana of Krump in Aotearoa—a kinetic, ever-adapting story etched in sweat, soul, and stomp.

Show notes

What happens when a dance born in the glittering underground clubs of 1970s Los Angeles travels halfway across the world and takes root in New Zealand? In this deep-dive episode, we unravel the electrifying story of Waacking—a street dance of fierce expression, resilience, and radical self-celebration—through its journey from its disco-era LGBTQIA+ beginnings to becoming one of Aotearoa’s most dynamic and inclusive dance communities.

We begin with Waacking’s origins: conceived in the flamboyant, high-energy world of LA’s queer disco scene. Once known as “punking,” a reclaimed slur, Waacking evolved into an art packed with whip-fast arm movements, sharp poses, and Hollywood diva dramatics inspired by icons like Lauren Bacall and Bette Davis. We tip our hats to global trailblazers such as Tyrone “The Bone” Proctor and Jeffrey Daniel—whose Soul Train performances broke ground for street dance on TV—as well as the new-generation instructors like Brian “Footwork” Green who ignited Waacking’s modern resurgence.

Then, we trace the arrival of Waacking in New Zealand—not in a single explosive moment, but through the dedication of local dancers determined to cultivate something real. Meet Jaydess Nand, the genre’s powerhouse pioneer in NZ, who trained with legends in LA, Australia, and New York before returning to set up foundational events like “Waack It Out”—the country’s first formal Waacking battle. As co-leader of The Jaackers NZ (Aotearoa’s first Waacking company) and creative force behind international and local fusions like “Desi Waack,” she has built a scene from the ground up.

Alongside Jaydess, Rina Chae stands out as a catalyst for change. After grooving with Beyoncé in LA, Rina returned to re-shape NZ’s scene. Now the “Mother” of Imperial House of Waacking NZ, Red Bull “Dance Your Style” 2023 dance liaison, and co-director at En Beat Dance Academy, Rina has nurtured both top-tier talent (from kids to pros) and built new platforms including Street Candee studio.

We shine a spotlight on the vibrant web of creators making Waacking a truly national movement. Hear about Hayley Walters-Tekahika (Prowl Productions, The Jaackers NZ), theatre-maker Andrew Cornish, southern ambassador Setu Mosegi in Christchurch, K-pop and commercial crossover artists like Angelika Zueva, ballet-turned-Vogue phenom Heidi Chen, competition standouts like Peggy Yao, and the boundary-pushing artistry of Earl De Castro (“Liberate-He”).

Discover thriving crews and collectives—Waackalicious shaking up Auckland Pride, the international Jaackers, Imperial House of Waacking NZ winning big at World of Dance, and the community-oriented Prowl Productions infusing theatre and activism into dance. Explore schools such as En Beat Academy, who train the next wave, and celebrated festivals like Ladies of Hip Hop NZ, where Waacking is front and center among street dance’s best.

Finally, we reflect on Waacking’s deeper cultural impact in Aotearoa—how battles like “Express Your Culture” and shows like “Club Waack” have woven ancestral pride, whakapapa, and queer, POC identity into every pose. We delve into the intersections with the growing ballroom scene led by figures like Lara Chuo, and the universal need for safe, affirming spaces for community and self-expression.

Full of stories of passion, resilience, artistry, and belonging, this episode is a tribute to the people who made Waacking more than just a dance. Grab your headphones, and join us as we celebrate the spirit, the rhythm, and the legacy of Waacking in New Zealand—a story still in motion!

Show notes

1. Introduction

• Purpose: Distill the artistry, culture, and history of street dance for dancers and enthusiasts.
• Sources: Historical accounts, academic research, dancer oral histories.
• Key themes: “Street dance,” being “well-rounded,” “cultural preservation,” “educate before you recreate.”

2. Hip-Hop Dance Origins: The Bronx (1970s)

• Hip-hop pillars: DJing, rapping, graffiti, breakdance.
• DJ Kool Herc: Jamaican roots, innovated “break beats” at Bronx block parties, inspiring new dance forms.
• Dance traits: Musical “bounces/rocks,” social dances like Running Man, Dougie, and original Harlem Shake.
• Misconceptions: Not all street dance is hip-hop or “breakdancing”—80s movies blurred many styles. Breaking (Bronx) ≠ Funk styles (West Coast).

3. West Coast Funk Styles: California (1970s–80s)

• Boogaloo: Oakland; fluid, “boneless” cartoon-inspired rolls and dime stops.
• Popping: Fresno; sharp muscular “hits/pops”—Electric Boogaloos (Boogaloo Sam, Popin’ Pete) popularized it. Includes “waving.”
• Locking: Don Campbell invented “lock”—sudden freezes, splits, points—popular on Soul Train. Tony Basil helped form Campellock Dancers. Emphasis on tradition and the problem of “slop lockers” (inaccurate imitators).
• Waacking: Gay clubs, LA (1970s disco); rotational arms, dramatic posing, Hollywood glamour. Rooted in Black & Latino LGBTQ+ resilience.

4. East Coast Innovations: NY (Late 70s–2000s)

• Breaking: Bronx; athletic spins, flips, freezes. Key crew: Rock Steady Crew. 1981 Lincoln Center battle mainstreamed the style. “Settle beef in the circle” culture.
• Vogue: Harlem, late 80s; Black/Latinx LGBTQ+ ballroom scene. “Houses” as competitive families. Three styles: Old Way (geometry, “pinning” duels), New Way (flexibility, arm illusion), Vogue Femme (fluid, exaggerated femininity). Pioneers: Paris Dupree, Willi Ninja. "Paris Is Burning" controversy and "no game" critique emphasize authenticity.
• House Dance: 1980s Chicago/NY clubs (Frankie Knuckles); fast footwork, torso “jacking,” expansive moves. Innovators: Frankie Knuckles, Brian “Footwork” Green. Community-focused, improvisational.
• Lite Feet: Harlem, 2000s; quick, weightless footwork, hat/shoe tricks. Seen in subways, reflecting Harlem identity. Uptempo beats (100–110 bpm).

5. Becoming a Well-Rounded Dancer

• Master the groove/bounce first; break down moves, drill for muscle memory, focus on one style.
• Use resources: YouTube, Steezy, Funk In Focus, workshops, local groups.
• Attend cyphers/jams for improvisation and community; “dance like no one is watching.”
• Listen to foundation music (funk, soul, hip-hop, disco).
• Observe but don’t copy—find icons for inspiration.
• Know freestyle (flowing improv), choreography (set routines, often from freestyle), and battling (creative pressure).

6. Mindset & Authenticity

• Set small, consistent goals; practice alone or with supportive peers.
• Prioritize authenticity: Learn origins, respect communities (“educate before you recreate”). Study from history if OG access isn’t possible.

7. Conclusion

• Recap journey: From Bronx hip-hop, West Coast funk, to NY’s Vogue, House, and Light Feet.
• Each style = local roots and evolving culture, tightly linked to its music.
• Street dance uplifts identity, community, and self-expression—reinvented yet anchored in tradition.
• Closing thought: What music or “dance” shapes your life? Understanding origins deepens connection. Always “educate before you recreate”—in dance, and beyond.

Join us on a dazzling study into the electric world of Aotearoa New Zealand’s Vogue Ballroom scene—where self-expression, community, and queerness sparkle brighter than stage lights. This episode traces the journey from Harlem’s underground runways to South Auckland’s marae halls, exploring how a global movement rooted in resistance became a beacon of cultural restoration, chosen family, and Pacific pride in New Zealand.

In this episode, we unpack:

1. The Origins & Global Roots

• Voguing’s birth in 1960s Harlem, USA, as an artform of African American and Latino LGBTQ+ communities (Paris Is Burning as pivotal inspiration).
• Signature elements—fashion magazine-influenced poses, Egyptian iconography, and sharp body movements.
• Cultural impact and sanctuary ballroom culture provided, especially for Black/Latino queer and transfeminine people.
• The global ‘vogue explosion’ after Madonna’s “Vogue” (1990) and the worldwide influence of Paris Is Burning.

2. Arrival & Adaptation in Aotearoa

• The first balls in Ōtara, South Auckland (2013), at Tapu Te Ranga Marae—significance for Māori and Pacific queer communities.
• The founding of FAF SWAG Arts Collective in Auckland by Pati Salomona Tyrell and Tanugago.
• Ballroom as “chosen family” and radical cultural adaptation for indigenous and diaspora communities facing both racism and queerphobia.

3. Architecture of the Scene: Houses, Stars, and Safe Havens

• The rise of iconic houses: House of Coven-Carangi, House of Aitu, House of Iman, Kiki House of Marama (Wellington), House of Givenchy, and Avant House of Dawn.
• The living legends: Mother Mistress Coven-Carangī (scene’s godmother), Tanu Gago, Pati Salomona Tyrell, Mother Honey Givenchy, Cara Mara & Romay, Mother Venus, Godfather Sam.
• House structures as surrogate families—mentorship, life skills, competition, and fierce love.
• “007s” (free agents) and the organic flow of new houses and talent.

4. Balls, Battles & Community

• Signature events: Legacy Vogue Ball, Fictional Ball, Metalliball, Dusk Till Dawn & Through the Eras Kiki Balls, A Hula Fashion Week, Battle Zone.
• The move from grassroots marae venues to national arts centres and Te Papa museum.
• Workshops and educational events from FAF SWAG to Kiki House of Marama—building skills and preserving authenticity.

5. Cultural Impact & Ongoing Journey

• Ballroom as sanctuary and tool for radical self-love and empowerment, especially for queer Māori/Pasifika youth and artists.
• The vital role of cultural restoration: spaces for “queer brown bodies” to thrive, challenging conservative Pākehā norms and colonial values.
• Scene’s evolving inclusivity, mainstream visibility, and the joys/challenges of greater recognition.

6. Timeline of Pivotal Moments

• 1960s Harlem origins → 1990s globalisation → 2013’s Aotearoa debut, house formations, major events.
• Recent landmark balls, art residencies, and government honours—plus a look ahead to rising regions and future plans (Blenheim, Te Papa events in 2025).

Tune in for shimmering stories, iconic moments, and a celebration of resilience—where every duckwalk, dip, and pose is a victory against erasure. As the scene grows, we ask: how can we help every future star’s freak flag truly fly?

Show notes