Capitalising on the affinity that the Maori and Polynesian people of New Zealand have with hip hop music and culture, Robert Hylton and DJ Billy Bizznizz held a four day residency at Te Wananga o Aotearoa, a university in Rotorua specialising in performing arts, in March.

The residency was complimented by lectures and demonstrations highlighting hip hop and jazz dance techniques and a free-style jam with students. Workshops were also held at secondary schools in Wellington and at the internationally recognised Whitireia Performing Arts.

Robert Hylton’s work creates the perfect platform for an exchange of ideas and information with young dancers and musicians in New Zealand, where there is a growing performing arts network. Much of this development is being cultivated by the Danz Aotearoa group – which puts great emphasis on dance education and provided great support throughout this visit in making these events work.