Project Hip Hop - Empowering Young Dancers To Take The Stage

Project Hip Hop Dance Competition returns to Mercury Arena Baypark this King’s Birthday Weekend, bringing more than 1,000 young dancers together from across Aotearoa for a two-day celebration of movement, music, and mana.

Held on Saturday, 31 May and Sunday, 1 June, this high-energy dance competition gives young people the opportunity to grow, create, and express themselves - whether they’re just starting out or competing at an elite level.

Founder and event director Sarah Martin began this competition while teaching at Te Puke High School. At the time, her students didn’t feel confident entering national dance competitions, so she created a platform where they could build their skills and self-belief.

“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,” says Sarah. “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 has grown and become a major event on the national dance calendar. In 2024, the competition attracted 1,004 dancers across 94 crews, drawing in more than 2,400 spectators. This year, the event is set to be even bigger, with 102 crews registered.

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This event is proudly supported by the Tauranga Event Fund, which supports arts, culture, and sporting events that enrich the city as a place to both live and visit, and reflect Tauranga’s unique lifestyle and identity. Nelita Byrne, Manager of Venues and Events at Tauranga City Council, says the event is 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 says it’s an occasion that truly reflects the power of youth-led expression.

“We’re incredibly excited to welcome the Project Youth Hip Hop Dance Competition back to Mercury Baypark. 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 says Project’s impact goes far beyond the stage.

“Over the last 15 years, I’ve seen firsthand how this event shapes the dance industry and our wider community,” says Hadleigh. “Project has launched the careers of international superstars, but it’s also helped thousands of rangatahi 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.

To build the hype, a special preview performance will take place at the Tauranga Waterfront on Saturday, 17 May, as part of the Hoops on the Waterfront event with Whai Basketball. Local dance school Phoenix Performing Arts will be showcasing its talent, with dance crew Flame performing at 11am, followed by a short hip hop teaching session for the public.

Sarah Martin says the success of Project Hip Hop comes down to a collective effort. “I want to thank my whānau, who’ve been part of every event, my incredible event team; our sponsors, Tauranga City Council, TECT, Lion Foundation, Pub Charity, and Custom Tees; and the parents, caregivers, and teachers who give their all to support the next generation. And most importantly, the young people, for having the courage to show up, step up, and express themselves.”

Event Details:

Hoops on the Waterfront with Whai Basketball

When:

Saturday, 17 May, 10.30am to 12.30pm

Where:

Tauranga waterfront, basketball half-court.

Project Hip Hop Dance Competition

When:

Saturday, 31 May & Sunday, 1 June 2025

Where:

Mercury Arena Baypark, Mount Maunganui.

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