The NZ Youth Salsa Kids have once again created history. They are the First Youth in the world & the first New Zealand Salsa Team to ever perform on the GREAT WALL of CHINA. Not only did they perform with the heart-felt passion and raw energy that they are world famous for, but they performed along side such great SALSERO as Tito & Tamara - Puerto Rico, Swing Guys- Italia, Junior & Emily - San Fransico, and many other amazing dancers.
Over the last five days the kids have been working hard through many Tech Rehearsals performing more routines than any other performers. Over the last 5 days they have performed 5 Salas Hip hop Fusion Dance Routines all at an International level & standard of professionalism and finese. (No easy feat, as some Internationals may perform two numbers during the course of a congress).
Their performance was filmed and shown on CCTV China, the national China broadcasting network and also BBC televison.
As coach, I am so proud of these students, which is why I am writing you to share this story. 13 New Zealand kids from:
- Waverley - CATHERINE IRVING
- Motueka - JAKE HANNAH
- Nelson - PADDY, CLARE, JACK SANDERS, REBECCA GIDDAL
- Blenheim - KAITLYN SAMSON, HANNAH WILLIAMS
- Wanganui - SYDNEY NGATAI, KARENA TAWHITAPOU, TE PARAIHE MAIR, PAULINE
- HIROTI-assistant coach, REBECCA SLOAN
These children from the age of 9-17 years old have spell bound the audience here in Beijing, they are as popular off the floor as they are on, because they are free in soul and giving in SPIRIT.
They have been the most INCREDIBLE ambassadors of NEW ZEALAND, engulfing the BEIJING CONGRESS with absolute charm.
As coach YES, I may seem baise, but TRUST ME, if you see what they have achieved here in CHINA, the impact and lasting impression they have left in the hearts of the SALSERO.
Then you like me would be TRULY, TRULY proud.
_PLEASE PASS THIS SALSA NEWS_**, onto your NZ SALSA Network. Share the magic and help me to let New Zealand Salsa know how great our NZ SALSA KIDS were, so many people are asking now about our NZ PACIFIC SALSA CONGRESS, we have been an amazing promotional tool for New Zealand & New Zealand Salsa.
They finished the Salsa Congress by our kids dancing the FINALE, the place was just pumping and the walls, ceiling and floors were moving. It was an incredible standing ovation and an incredible feeling.
Mr Stayz has negotiated on behalf of STAR DANCE ACADEMY - NZ SALSA KIDS invitation to:
SYDNEY SALSA CONGRESS 2008 - (Our 3rd Year) Invited back by MR JAMIE JESUS - Latin Dance Australia and the Awesome SSC team, thankyou Marcia.- WEST COAST SALSA CONGRESS 2008 - 10 Year Anniversary, The kids have been invited by Mr Albert Torres the GODFATHER of World Salsa. May 2008. This Congress for performance teams is by INVITE ONLY, thank you Albert.
- PARIS AFRO SALSA CONGRESS 2008** - Paris France
- 2nd Annual KOREAN SALSA CONGRESS 2008** - Soule Korea, Invitation from SPIN, Thank you SPIN
and Mr Stayz is currently in Discussions with the organisers of the SINGAPORE SALSA CONGRESS 2009
Please I am not trying to hit our our CLAVE, I am just so so so PROUD of my KIDS and I felt it so important that NEW ZEALAND SALSA knows and understands what they did on behalf of us all here in Beijng CHINA 2007.
Muchos Gracias Aotearoa Salsaero
ciao
Mr Stayz Te Atamira Raukawa
- Star Dance Academy - Director & Founder
- NZ Youth Salsa Kids - Director & Founder
- Soul Fuego Pasifika - Pro Salsa Team - Director & Founder
- NZ Sonz of Salsa - Director & Founder
- NZ Sisters of Salsa Co - Director & Founder
- NZ Salsa Team Champion 2005 - Team Salsa - Directed by BRENDAN ROACH
- NZ Professional Salsa Champion 2006
- Salsa Groove Perfromance Team - Nelson - Director
- NZ Pacific Youth Salsa Congress - Director & Founder
- NZ Pacific Salsa Congress - Sponsor - MC & Advisor Support
- National & International Salsa Judge
- National & International Salsa Instructor