In 2019, Terina Whaitiri (founder) moved to Auckland from Whakatāne and started teaching K-Pop classes as a way to meet other fans. The classes were promoted on Facebook under the name 'KDA' (K-Pop Dance Auckland). Just a few weeks into the classes, after a suggestion from one of the class attendees, a small group of people made their way up Queen Street to Aotea Square after a 'Dope' - BTS class. Using a portable UE Megaboom connected to YouTube, KDA's first Random Dance Play ensued, sparking the tradition of running them every week for the next 3 years. In the months that followed, the post-class meet-ups grew, more and more people joining what was becoming like a small family. We eventually moved to Freyberg Square, now a special place for our community that we fondly refer to as our second home. At some point in early 2019, it was decided that we should start calling ourselves a dance crew, the acronym 'KDA' sticking as the group name.
As we’ve evolved, we’ve become more focused on fostering a sense of belonging and connection, offering opportunities for dancers to grow, express themselves, and celebrate their love for K-pop and dance. Over the years, we’ve been able to host countless community events, provide numerous opportunities to create and perform, collaborate with established companies and brands and even meet K-Pop celebrities and well known people in the NZ dance industry.
We’re proud of how far we’ve come and the supportive, inclusive environment we’ve built together. As we look to the future, we’re excited to continue growing, exploring new possibilities, and offering even more opportunities for our members to dance, connect, and shine.