Poster (Wellington Polyswagg Workshop 15 June 2013)

In the late 20th and early decades of the 21st century, hip hop was an important focus and creative outlet for young people all over the world, including here in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The material culture of hip hop in Aotearoa New Zealand documents a distinctive local response to a global music phenomena across a range of cultural activities.

Significance

This digital image was designed for a poster advertising touring choreographers and dancers of the Royal Family, from the Palace Dance Studio in Auckland, New Zealand. Leading up to their participation in the Hip Hop International (HHI) World Championship competition for 2013, and as part of fundraising to get their crews to Las Vegas they travelled across the country sharing knowledge and exchanging techniques and styles with other dance crews. This image was published on Facebook sites and distributed amongst the dancing community of Wellington.

The Palace Dance Studio

The Palace Dance Studio is owned by internationally recognised choreographer and dancer, Parris Goebel who specialises in hip hop dance. It is home to the Royal Family Hip Hop dance crews that include Royal Family, ReQuest, Misfits, Sorority and Bubblegum. It is also the origin point of a dance movement known as Polyswagg - a fusion of the Polynesian dance styles that members of the Royal Family have combined with their passion for hip hop choreography and style.

Acquisition History

This image was donated to Te Papa by The Palace Dance Studio in 2013.