RINA CHAE BRINGS AOTEAROA’S NEXT GENERATION TO THE STAGE

K BEAT NATIONALS brings dancers of all ages and backgrounds together through a shared love of K-pop. At its heart is a space to build confidence, learn teamwork and express who they are—giving their dedication a professional stage and bringing whānau and the dance community together to celebrate.

Behind that vision is Rina Chae, the Korean–New Zealand choreographer, creative director and educator known as “NZ’s Queen of K-Pop.” For more than two decades, Rina has opened doors for Aotearoa’s dancers through training, mentoring and connections with international artists and street dance pioneers.

Her mentoring has contributed to the development of three New Zealand K-pop idols currently active in Korea, a world-champion street dance battler, and performers working across Asia, the United States and Europe. As Mother of the Imperial House of Waacking New Zealand Chapter, she also nurtures an understanding of the culture and history behind the dance.

K BEAT NATIONALS carries that commitment onto the stage. Six divisions welcome dancers from ages five to seven through to adult and open-age teams, with audiences treated to high-energy competition and performances. An international guest workshop also features in the programme.

For Rina, the opportunity is about more than winning. "It is about dancers recognising their progress, finding belonging and seeing what is possible. Audiences are invited to come along and celebrate the hard work, courage and dreams each team brings to the stage."

 The programme also features high-energy performances..Audiences are invited to come along and support Aotearoa’s emerging talent. Every team brings a story, and every performance is a chance to see their hard work and dreams come to life.

K BEAT NATIONALS 2026

Date: Friday 9 October 2026
Time: 6pm
Venue: Kristin Auditorium, Kristin School
Address: 360 Albany Highway, Auckland
Tickets: $35 GET HERE
Event information: https://kbeatnationals.com