“Project was designed to provide an opportunity for entry-level dancers to experience a high-quality dance competition event to gain confidence to enter other national events,” Martin said.
“A full-circle moment for me this year is seeing Te Puke High School entering again for the first time in over a decade, led by their head of dance, Jennifer Cram, who was a student of mine back when it all began.”
From humble beginnings at Baycourt in 2010 with just nine crews and 70 dancers, Project Hip Hop has become a major event on the national dance calendar.
In 2024, the competition attracted 1004 dancers across 94 crews, drawing in more than 2400 spectators.
This year, the event is set to be even bigger, with 102 crews registered.
This event is supported by the Tauranga Event Fund, which helps fund arts, culture, and sporting events that enrich the city.
Tauranga City Council venues and events manager Nelita Burne said the event was a great example of the creative, vibrant, and inclusive initiatives the fund aims to foster.
“We’re proud to support events like Project Hip Hop. Dance – particularly hip hop – is a crossover between sport and culture, demanding the physicality and discipline of sport, alongside the creativity and storytelling of the arts. Events like this resonate with many young people in our city, reflecting their passions and giving them something positive to aim for.”
Bay Venues head of events Amanda West said it was an occasion that truly reflects the power of youth-led expression.
“This event is a vibrant celebration of Aotearoa’s street dance culture, bringing together talent, creativity, and community from across the motu. We’re proud to host an event that uplifts young people and showcases the power of dance.”
Long-time MC of the event Hadleigh Pouesi said Project’s impact went far beyond the stage.
“Over the last 15 years, I’ve seen firsthand how this event shapes the dance industry and our wider community,” said Pouesi.
She said it had launched careers and helped “thousands of rangatahi [youth] unlock leadership, creativity, and confidence”.
“The kaupapa has never changed, it’s about giving young people a platform to express themselves, challenge themselves, and feel empowered.”
Saturday will feature beginner and school-age crews in the Primary, Junior Novice, Varsity Novice, and Mega School divisions.
Sunday sees top open division crews compete in Junior, Mini, Varsity, Adult, and Mega Crew categories, with $22,000 in prize money.
The details:
What: Project Hip Hop Dance Competition
When: Saturday, May 31, and Sunday, June 1
Where: Mercury Arena Baypark, Mount Maunganui.
