Star Team North

Mr Stayz Te Atamira Raukawa
(Star Dance Academy Director & Founder)

NZ Youth Salsa Team Coach & Director
NZ Pacific Youth Salsa Congress Director
NZ National Professional Salsa Champion 2007
National & International Salsa Judge & Selector

Mr Stayz, Ms Larissa and baby Ocean, a New Zealand Star Family. We enjoy bringing dance into the lives of thousands of kids throughout the country, over the last three years it has been our goal, dream and commitment to work with amazing dance teachers, Star Mamas and Papas and Star students alike.

Aim to dream, aim to believe, aim to achieve.

SOL

Mr Saione Greer

Saione has been trained by some of the best Salsa dancers and instructors in the world and has taught hundreds of people with no dance experience how to step on to the dance floor with confidence.

Mr Ian (Star Dance Instructor)

"A day without dance is a day wasted"

With a number of national titles under his name, including NZ Salsa Champion (Advance) 2007 and South Island Salsa Champion (Advance) 2007, Ian has also performed at the Sydney Salsa Congress. Alongside his passion for dance is his passion to teach. Ian has taught kids and adults all over NZ. As a graduate/Tutor through Star Dance Academy and Darnz Hip-hop salsa Ian now dances professionally with Cuban Groove Company, Soul Fuego Pro-Team, and teaches his Aroha and respect for dance at Viva Latino.

Ms Pauline (Star Dance Instructor)

Pauline started dancing in 2002 with the first Star Dance programme in Wanganui, 6 years later she has become an accomplished dancer with a passion for dance, teaching and performance. Pauline assisted leading the New Zealand Youth Salsa team to the USA, Australia, Japan, and China, performing to standing ovations at Salsa Congresses around the world. Pauline has taught all around New Zealand and loves sharing her passion for dance with children and youth. Now Pauline dances professionally with the Cuban Groove Company, Soul Fuego Pro-team, and is a valuable member of the team at Viva Latino helping to develop the Star Dance programme in Auckland.

Ms Catherine

Ms Catherine is the dance director of Star Dance Academy Waverley, she is an inspiration to her community family and all kids involved. Catherine was a member of the NZ Youth Salsa Team, which traveled to LA, New York, China, Sydney and many other exotic places around the world. Ms Catherine is one of the most dynamic dancers in New Zealand and her teaching ability is second to none. Catherine was the 2007 Amateur Salsa Champion (partnering Mr Ian) and is also a valued member of Soul Fuego - Pacifica Pro Salsa Team.

Mr DeeRok

Mr DeeRok is one of the original members of the NZ Youth Salsa Team. He was also a part of the Y-City Breakerz and was tutored and mentored by George Packer (Ewoks) in the art of break dance, krumping and other forms of Hip Hop culture. DeeRok has taken his art form learnt into inspiring and motivating others, especially young boys in Wanganui in need of role models and positive influences. Mr DeeRok is the Assistant Dance Director of Star Wanganui along with Ms Amy and Mama Lola.

Ms Amy

Ms Amy is a graduate of the YMCA Y We Dance Programme which was a great success in Wanganui. Amy is also a member of the NZ Youth Salsa Team under tuition of Mr Stayz and has travelled and experienced many dance cultures from around the world. Amy began as a ten year old student in her Keith Street school dance class. Her potential in leadership was noticed at this age by Mr Stayz and since then both have forged a great partnership in providing this positive Star Dance Academy programme to the comunity of Wanganui.