Kiwi Dancer Teesha Taulepa Shines with Global Icons

Teesha Taulepa, a talented dancer from South Auckland, has captured the spotlight by performing with some of the world’s most famous artists, including Rihanna and Lady Gaga. At just 23 years old, she is currently in Los Angeles preparing for the upcoming Coachella music festival, where she will perform alongside Colombian singer Karol G.

During a recent interview, Teesha shared her excitement about the intensive rehearsal schedule, stating, “We’re rehearsing for eight hours a day for two shows in April.” Despite the demanding hours and being away from her family and boyfriend of three years, she feels grateful for the opportunity to live her dream. “I’m just a girl from South Auckland who’s getting to work with people like Rihanna and Lady Gaga! That’s a pretty big pinch-me moment,” she added.

Teesha’s journey into the world of dance began at the age of five when she discovered hip-hop through her older sisters. Her first experience was with a group called the Baby Beats, which ignited her passion for dance. By age 11, she auditioned for The Royal Family Dance Crew, led by renowned 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 reflected.

At 16, Teesha made the bold decision to leave school and pursue dancing full-time. This choice has led her to perform on stages around the globe, from Europe and the United States to Asia. She has participated in high-profile events, including the 2023 Super Bowl, which attracted an audience of 121 million viewers, making it the most-watched halftime performance in US television history at that time.

Reflecting on her experiences with Rihanna, Teesha described the atmosphere during the Savage X Fenty fashion shows as electric. “The first time was in 2020, during Covid, and I can remember 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 said. Teesha also mentioned that Rihanna complimented the talent emerging from New Zealand, stating, “There must be something in the water in New Zealand to produce all these amazing dancers.”

Another highlight of Teesha’s career came when she appeared in Lady Gaga‘s 2025 music video for “Abracadabra.” “She recognized me from my TikTok videos. I can’t even find the words to describe how amazing it was to be in Lady Gaga’s presence,” she shared. Despite her starstruck moments, Teesha maintains professionalism during these encounters. “When I get home, I scream and jump around the room going, ‘I just met Lady Gaga!’”

Outside of her performances, Teesha is venturing into choreography, having started this journey with The Royal Family Dance Crew two years ago. She is exploring opportunities to conduct workshops in Europe later this year, emphasizing her desire to give back to the dance community.

Teesha’s commitment to empowerment is also evident in her recent collaboration with Dove for their Whole Body Deo campaign. She created a music video and social content promoting the deodorant designed for use all over the body. “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,” she explained.

Research indicates that approximately 40 percent of Kiwi women refrain from everyday activities due to concerns about body odor and sweat. Teesha expressed her sadness over this statistic, stating, “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.”

With her dedication to dance and her efforts to inspire confidence in others, Teesha Taulepa continues to make significant strides in her career as a global performer. As she prepares for her next big stage at Coachella, her story serves as a reminder of the power of passion and hard work.