From the outside, South Auckland may seem like a tough place to grow up. The community faces a complex series of hardships — each compounding the next.
Many Maori and Pacific Islander families who live here have endured generations of poverty.
But on the inside, South Auckland has a rich artistic spirit and a lot of young people dreaming very big.
They’re not just hopeful, these artists mean business and can see a clear path to careers on stage with some of the biggest names in music.
Their art form is dance.
Sifila Hafoka and her twin sister Lose have very specific plans for themselves — to be backup dancers on the global stage.
ABC News: Emily Clark
)“We’re from the south side. South Auckland is tough,” Sifila said.
“My mum is a single mum … we’re just trying to make our dreams come true. We’re just trying to make her proud to give back to her.
Hopes here are high because Auckland export Parris Goebel has already blazed the trail.
Goebel is one of the most sought after choreographers in the world at the moment, directing shows and videos for Rihanna, J Lo and Justin Beiber among many other major names.
Her hip hop routines have won world championships and been viewed billions of times over on YouTube.
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Goebel is now based in Los Angeles, but she grew up in Auckland and still has deep…
