Parris Goebel new Kidz First Children’s Hospital Ambassador
Kidz First Children’s Hospital and Middlemore Foundation for Health Innovation is proud to announce its newest
ambassador is internationally renowned dancer and choreographer Parris Goebel.
Parris of ReQuest fame is not only New Zealand’s fastest rising star, working for Jennifer Lopez and Cirque Du Soleil,
but speaks the language of Kiwi youth.
The 21-year-old is a born and bred Counties Manukau girl. She is passionate about using her skills and networks to
support child and youth health.
“I am honoured to become an ambassador for Kidz First and to work within the Counties Manukau region,” says Parris.
“I really want to help raise awareness of health issues amongst our kids and youth and make a difference within their
families. I know if we can educate our kids today then we will be better off when they become parents in the future.
“Our children are our future, we need to value their health and well-being and let them enjoy the blessing of life.”
Marlene Stratton, Kidz First Children’s Hospital Inpatient Service Manager, says the ambassador announcement is exciting
and will be hugely beneficial to the hospital and community.
“Parris is an extremely talented young woman who has already achieved in her short life what most can only dream of. She
has amazing drive and a fantastic attitude, and is passionate about children, youth and health. She can get down and
speak on their level about the important issues when other adults may struggle.
“We think this association is going to greatly benefit the children and youth in our region.”
Parris is the director and teaches at the Palace Dance Studio in Auckland and Hamilton. ReQuest was the first crew
outside North America to make it on MTV America’s Best Dance Crew Season 6.
She was awarded the 2012 World of Dance Female Choreographer of the Year in the USA. Parris worked on Jennifer Lopez’s
2012 World Tour, performed with her in the American Idol final season 11, and appeared with ReQuest in Lopez’s latest music video.
Parris joined the creative team for Cirque Du Soleil for the new Michael Jackson show ONE opening at the Mandalay Bay
Hotel, Las Vegas in 2013. She also featured on the hit TV show Dancing with the Stars USA, last year.
ENDS