More than 1300 young dancers from across New Zealand – and for the first time overseas – are preparing to take the stage at Mercury Baypark Arena for one of the country’s biggest hip-hop dance events.

Project 2026 returns on King’s Birthday Weekend from May 30 to June 1, bringing together 140 dance crews for three days of competition, workshops and performances celebrating youth, creativity and community.

Now in its 17th year, the hip-hop crew dance competition has grown from humble beginnings in Te Puke into a nationally recognised event attracting dancers from throughout New Zealand and beyond.

Event director Sarah Martin said Project began in 2010 after conversations with students at Te Puke High School who wanted competition experience but lacked the confidence to enter larger national events. “That first competition had nine crews and about 70 dancers,” Martin said.

“Now we’ve grown to 140 crews with over 1300 dancers competing this year.”

Major milestone

The event features divisions for intermediate and secondary schools, mega-school crews, novice dancers and elite open crews competing for more than $20,000 in prizemoney.

Project 2026 returns over King's Birthday Weekend from May 30 to June 1, bringing together 140 dance crews for three days of competition.

This year also marks a major milestone, with international crews joining the competition for the first time. “We’ve got three crews coming from Australia and one from Brazil,” Martin said.

“It’s really exciting to welcome international dancers into the Project family.”

Alongside the competition free public workshops will be held on Monday, June 1, giving young people the opportunity to learn choreography and develop new skills alongside industry mentors.

The workshops will be delivered in partnership with youth group The Wave and were designed for dancers wanting to challenge themselves in a supportive environment.

Martin said the event had built a strong reputation nationally because of its focus on encouraging and uplifting young people.

“Our slogan is to grow, create, express and develop, and we haven’t wavered from that,” she said.

“People know it’s a professional event where dancers will be supported and looked after.”

Reunion of sorts

The event had also become a reunion of sorts for New Zealand’s dance community, with former students, parents and tutors returning each year to volunteer and reconnect.

“For me, it’s about family and connection,” Martin said.

“It’s the one time every year where our dance community gets back together.”

Project began in 2010 and is now in its 17th year.

Project had also helped launch successful careers in the dance industry. Internationally respected choreographer Josh Cesan of Auckland’s Identity Dance Company competed at earlier Project events before going on to teach around the world. Cesan and Joseph Asi from Red Studio will both be at this weekend’s event.

While many dance competitions are based in Auckland, Martin said keeping Project in Tauranga has always been intentional. “It was about creating opportunities for the Bay of Plenty region,” she said.

“And let’s be honest – the Bay is a pretty great place for people to come for a long weekend.”

Project 2026 runs at Mercury Baypark Arena from Saturday, May 30 to Monday, June 1.

Tickets are available at: www.urbandance.org.nz.