- By Carlos Norton, AUT Journalism Student
A young brotherly duo who represented New Zealand on the global dance stage claimed podium finishes in two categories including a coveted gold.
Pakuranga College pupils Raūl and Riān Gounder earned the right to compete at the Hip Hop Unite World Championships in Portugal after placing first in this country’s qualifiers.
At only 13 years old, Riān has also placed first in the 2024 Youth Battle World Championship, a one-on-one dance battle where he edged out a South African opponent for the gold.
Despite his young age, he’s been competing for years, although this experience was unlike any other.
“The whole thing went so fast,” he says.
“It’s really different because the stage is about three times bigger, the crowd’s bigger, the music’s really loud and only around 20 people from New Zealand went.”
Downplaying his accomplishments, Riān points out how the experience will help push him even further.
“All the judges and people who entered the battles had a lot of experience.
“As a dancer, it was great to look up to [them] because I could take bits and learn from everyone.”
Riān also competed with brother Raūl in the 2024 World Championship Junior Duo category, where they claimed an impressive third place with their slickly choreographed routine.
“There’s so much talent out there from other countries, which is crazy, the competition there is a much higher level,” says Riān.
Raūl points out the strong bond the brothers have.
“Rian and I have been dancing together since we were really young, but professionally for the last five years.
“Being the only non-European nation to have a podium finish, I felt that we represented New Zealand really well.”
Whilst he’s proud of his accomplishment, Raūl is already looking toward the future.
“Even with a win, there are opportunities to push for further development and take things to an even greater level.”
As brothers, the pair have a deep relationship that isn’t without artistic differences, but Riān says they make it work.
“Yeah, we fight. But not all the time. We choreograph [our dances] together so we both understand what we’re doing.”
Riān also recently travelled to Japan to compete in the K.O.B (King of Buck) dance competition.
Competing against 55 krump dancers, he made it all the way to the final of the under-15 category where he claimed a silver medal.
It’s the first time any New Zealand competitor has placed in the youth category of the global event.
Both Raūl and Riān aim to continue dancing for as long as possible.
“For me, dance will always be there, whether it be as a career or simply as a hobby, I always will be dancing,” Raūl says.
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