The Palace - First Episode

This Māori Television series follows South Auckland dance crew The Palace as they prepare for the World Hip Hop Dance Championships, and a shot at their fourth title. This first episode films open auditions where dancers, including two gay brothers from Tokoroa, hope to join 'The Royal Family'. Led by choreographer Parris Goebel — who talks here about her method and early days —  the crew have won global fame, including bringing its 'Polyswagg' to the hit video for Justin Bieber’s Sorry. There are also scenes of Goebel choreographing 2015 Kiwi movie Born to Dance.

If I'm working hard and the girl next to me is working hard, we're all going to work hard ... you really do become who you surround yourself with.

– Parris Goebel on the 'contagious energy' of her dance method, in an interview with Stuff, 15 November 2015

Key Cast & Crew

Charlotte Purdy

Director, Producer

Kara Rickard

Narrator

Jared Leith

Camera

Kathleen Mantel

Writer

Nevak Rogers

Network Executive

Kate Cresswell

Production