Kiwi Dancer Teesha Taulepa Shines Alongside Global Icons

Dancer Teesha Taulepa from South Auckland is making waves in the global entertainment scene. She has performed with major stars such as Rihanna, Lady Gaga, and Doja Cat, gracing stages around the world, including the Super Bowl and a lavish wedding in India. Currently, she is in Los Angeles preparing for the renowned Coachella music festival, where she will perform alongside Colombian singer Karol G in April.

At 23 years old, Teesha is dedicating up to eight hours a day to rehearsals. Despite the demanding schedule and being away from her family and long-term boyfriend, she expresses enthusiasm for her career. “I’m just a girl from South Auckland who’s getting to live my dream and work with people like Rihanna and Lady Gaga! That’s a pretty big pinch-me moment,” she shared.

From Humble Beginnings to Global Stages

Teesha’s journey began at the age of five, when she discovered hip-hop through her older sisters. She joined a youth dance group called the Baby Beats, where her passion for dance flourished. At 11, she auditioned for The Royal Family Dance Crew, led by famed Kiwi dancer Parris Goebel. “I’d grown up watching videos of Parris, so to be mentored by her was amazing. I wouldn’t be the dancer I am today if it wasn’t for her,” Teesha said.

By 16, she had made the decision to leave school and pursue dance full-time. This choice opened doors to perform with some of the most celebrated artists globally. “Dancing has taken me all over the world, from Europe and the US to Asia and places I never thought I’d ever see,” she reflected.

Teesha’s experiences have included performing for Rihanna at her Savage X Fenty fashion shows, starting in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We had to dance with masks and get tested all the time. But the energy and vibe of the show was everything you’d expect it to be,” she recalled.

One of the standout moments in her career was dancing at the 2023 Super Bowl, which garnered a record-breaking audience of 121 million viewers. When asked about Rihanna, Teesha remarked, “She is so beautiful, more beautiful than she looks in photos. And she’s super nice. Rihanna said to us, ‘There must be something in the water in New Zealand to produce all these amazing dancers.’”

Expanding Horizons and Giving Back

Another highlight for Teesha was appearing in Lady Gaga’s upcoming music video for “Abracadabra.” “She recognised me from my TikTok videos,” said Teesha, who has amassed a following of 96,000 on TikTok and 90,000 on Instagram. Meeting the pop icon left her in awe. “I can’t even find the words to describe how amazing it was to be in Lady Gaga’s presence,” she stated.

While she often experiences starstruck moments, Teesha maintains professionalism during her interactions. “But when I get home, I scream and jump around the room going, ‘I just met Lady Gaga!’”

In addition to performing, Teesha is embracing choreography, a skill she began developing with The Royal Family Dance Crew two years ago. She is currently in discussions to lead workshops in Europe later this year.

Teesha’s commitment to empowering others is evident in her recent collaboration with Dove for their Whole Body Deo campaign. “I created a music video and social content for the new Dove deodorant designed to be used all over the body,” she explained. “I’ve always loved that Dove empowers women to feel confident in their bodies. Dance is all about confidence and freedom, so it was a good fit.”

Teesha was surprised to learn that research indicates 40 percent of Kiwi women restrict their daily activities due to concerns about body odour and sweat. “It makes me sad that the confidence level of our women is so low. But it shouldn’t be – we should be confident in our bodies and know that we are beautiful,” she urged.

Teesha’s journey from South Auckland to the global stage highlights her talent and determination, serving as an inspiration for aspiring dancers everywhere. As she continues to shine in the spotlight, her message of confidence and empowerment resonates strongly, making her a role model for many.