(picture caption: Participants at Viva Eclectika 2018 beaming with smiles)

The biennial Viva Eclectika Intercultural Music and Dance performance is presented by New Zealand Asia Association (NZAA) Incorporated. With the Late Right Reverend Sir Paul Reeves as its Patron, the association has been presenting the event for over 10 years now. In recognition of NZAA’s outstanding contribution to diversity in Aotearoa New Zealand, it was presented by the New Zealand Diversity Action Award in 2014, by the then Governor General Sir Jerry Mateparae. This year the event was held on July 28, in Auckland.

“Traditionally ethnic dancers present their culture to the community as showcase of a single culture. The concept of Viva Eclectika is to take this one step further by showcasing fusion performances where dancers from two or more diverse cultures bring together elements of both into a single dance. In doing this, the Viva Eclectika event not only bridges understanding between ethnic communities and the mainstream, but also between individual communities,” explains the association.

This year, the audience were treated to a never-before collaboration of two different Indian dance styles with Bulgarian dance, which brought together 24 talented and vibrant dancers. It was a collaboration between Tapasya School of Classical Dance and Bulgarian Roses.

A special guest performance was from The Swagganauts from the Identity Dance Company, who were placed fifth at the world Hip Hop Champs last year.

In all, Viva Eclectika 2018 featured performers of all ages - from primary school right through to dancers in their 80s. “Dance not only unites cultures, it also crosses age and generational boundaries,” noted the association in a Facebook post.