Joseph 'Asi: Leading Retaliate to the World Dance Crew Championship
The World Dance Crew Championship (WDCC) kicks off on today (Monday, 14 April)! WDCC brings together elite dance crews from across New Zealand and around the world for a week of high-energy competition, global talent, and school holiday excitement at Due Drop Events Centre, Manukau.
For dancers like Joseph 'Asi, WDCC isn’t just a competition—it’s a platform to showcase Aotearoa’s world-class talent and to connect a vibrant, diverse community through the universal language of dance.
Originally from Wellington and now based in Auckland, Joseph has dedicated his life to dance, training extensively in Hip Hop, Commercial, and Contemporary styles from the age of 10. His journey has seen him work, train, and perform with some of Aotearoa’s leading choreographers and studios. Joseph has also recently taken his training overseas by attending dance camps, programmes, and classes in Los Angeles, further enhancing his knowledge and skill.
Joseph’s own competitive experience is extensive. He has performed and choreographed on both national and international stages, proving his ability to compete at the highest levels.
He’s received special awards for his choreography in NZ and Australia and now, as the choreographer for Retaliate - Red Studio’s elite Varsity crew — Joseph is taking on an exciting new challenge: leading them to the World Dance Crew Championships (WDCC). As Retaliate’s leader, Joseph is focused on an intense training schedule for his crew who will compete in the Youth Division of WDCC.
He shares with us his work and what drives him forward in our Q&A here!
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What do you love about dance so much?
I love dance because it allows me to show emotions and tell stories I sometimes wouldn’t be able to tell in regular everyday life. I like to think my dancing doesn’t match my personality - which I think is pretty cool. I’m a fairly introverted, private, and reserved person, but as a dancer I’m the complete opposite. Dance is a very special part of what makes me, me.
What is a career highlight for yourself?
Filming Disney’s “Zombies 4” last year! It was my first ever big dance job and to be on a film set everyday was surreal. I never really got used to the life that I was living for those 3 months as it was so far from anything I have ever experienced and I’m so grateful I got the opportunity to be part of it. I got to meet some amazing people and create even stronger bonds with the friends that I already had going into the job. It gave me a sort of “I can really do this dance thing” realisation which ignited a lot of extra fire in me.
How would you describe your particular style?
I’m super big on intention, and I’d say my dance and choreography style is a bit of a blend of both feminine and masculine energies. I’m able to flow through these energies easily and sometimes I tap into one more than the other. I have a good eye for musicality and I feel as though the way I interpret music can be quite different than others. A lot of my choreography is “moment based”, as I incorporate a lot of different textures, play around with my timing, and strategically place grooves into my choreography that give it an extra pop.
What else can you tell us about Retaliate?
Retaliate are an all girls crew with ages ranging from 15 to 18. They are the perfect blend of fun, vibrant, and silly while also being strong, powerful, and fierce young women. They have a really special and unique energy about them. This year’s team has some of the best training attitudes I’ve ever come across as a teacher and they’ve been working really hard for these upcoming competitions, especially WDCC. I’ve been training most of the girls for a few years now and their growth is exponential - I’m so proud of them. I can’t wait for everyone to see what they’ve been working on and to feel their energy in person. It’s gonna be sick!
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The first day of competition features preliminary rounds for the Junior (Under 12), Youth (13–17) and Adult (18+) categories, determining who advances to the finals. On Tuesday, the spotlight shifts to the spectacular Super Crew division, where up to 40 dancers perform on stage simultaneously in both Youth and Open formats — a true showcase of scale, energy and technical prowess.
Tickets are just $15, with all sessions open to the public to ensure the event is accessible for families and dance fans of all ages. The competition runs through to Grand Final on Saturday.
One of the most anticipated performances on Day One is from The Duchesses, an all-female varsity crew from The Palace Dance Studio — the iconic home of Parris Goebel and world-renowned crew The Royal Family. The Duchesses will compete in the Youth Division Prelims (ages 13–17).
On Tuesday, the stage will be set for another major moment as The Royal Family takes the floor in the Super Crew Division, facing off against international talent including the award-winning IDCO from Joshua Cesan’s Identity Dance Company.
Don't miss out! Tickets for all sessions are available here!