Rina Chae, Street Candee, and the Femme Street Dance Revolution in New Zealand Dance

• Discover the evolution of Aotearoa’s dance landscape as we trace the remarkable journey of Street Candee and The Candee Collective, founded and led by visionary Rina Chae—a trailblazer whose international success brought a new level of artistry, professionalism, and empowerment to New Zealand’s dance community.

• Follow Rina Chae’s path from New Zealand to Los Angeles in 2009, where she spent six formative years performing alongside Beyoncé (2014 MTV Music Awards), Chris Brown, Ne-Yo, Justin Bieber, and in music videos for top artists like Enrique Iglesias and Kanye West. Her LA experiences not only refined her skills but also inspired her unique vision for dance in NZ.

• In late 2014, Rina’s return to NZ set off a cultural wave. Sensing a lack of platforms celebrating powerful femininity and artistic expression, she launched Street Candee in 2015—an all-female ensemble known for sultry hip hop, jazz funk, waacking, and stage prowess. Instantly, they became industry leaders, captivating huge audiences at X Factor NZ, FIFA World Cup ceremonies, Coca Cola Christmas in the Park, and high-profile tours.

• Street Candee became a force for representation and activism, exemplified by the “Flawless: Female Artists Empowerment Concert.”

• The Candee Collective emerged as an umbrella organization, housing diverse specialty units—Candee Waackers (waacking), House of Candee (vogue/ballroom), heels dancers, krumpers, and more. As “Mother” of Imperial House of Waacking NZ, Rina Chae created vital links to global street dance pioneers and culture bearers.

• Key figures exemplify the depth of the collective:

  • Angelica Zueva: founding member, acclaimed dancer, DJ, K-pop performer, national event leader.
  • Emma-Kate Putnam: joined at 17, made it in NY/LA (Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande), returned to nurture NZ’s next generation.
  • Heidi Chen: multi-style prodigy, K-pop industry choreographer, waacking/vogue educator.
  • Natasha Katavich (“Lady T”): Moulin Rouge Paris performer, expert popper.
  • Grace Stevens: jazz champion, Galen Hooks’ LA assistant.
  • Alexandra Page, Kirsten Ocampo, Earl de Castro, and more, all contributing as dancers, community leaders, and cultural educators.

• Their influence extends beyond performance—prolific in TV, commercials (KFC, Samsung, TVNZ, Air NZ safety video), music videos, Cook Islands tours, and major festivals. Collaborators and protégés are now global talents, from Moulin Rouge, Street Girl Fighter TV show (En Beatz), to K-pop’s main stages (Jasmine, Alice, Jessica).

• Education and social impact are central:

  • Street Candee/Candee Collective offer weekly classes, workshops, open jams, and rookie-friendly battles (Valentine's Waacking Battles, K-pop Academy), cultivating resilience, community, and artistic growth.

• Recent controversy in the New Zealand street dance scene:

  • Paris Goebbel's Royal Family Dancers were accused of copying choreography and questioned on battle etiquette on the Korean MNET show Street Woman Fighter.
  • We delve into questions of originality, inspiration vs. imitation, and cultural appropriation
  • How do NZ’s femme collectives set themselves apart? By prioritizing upskilling, mentorship, authentic street dance education, and honoring cultural roots, Street Candee and Candee Collective serve as role models—investing in substance over spectacle.

• Notable events and milestones underscored:

  • “Flawless” Concert (2015), Poi Wai Festival (HIV/AIDS awareness), World of Dance NZ (2023, 2024 champions), Ladies of Hip Hop Aotearoa (annual