"They did a lot of research, and then looked at how they can display that knowledge through dance. Their starting point was to ask the question, 'Who am I?' and then 'To whom do I belong?'" Ms Hiroti said.
She said many of the students had learned something of their own history during the workshop.
The students set their own rules, guidelines and standards of behaviour for the workshop.
"They have done incredibly well. I've really pushed them," Ms Hiroti said.
The final performance - a short but powerful piece of dance - was choreographed by the students with help from Ms Hiroti.
She was assisted by Pop Pirikahu and Tamahou Rowe, from Ngati Apa, and Whanganui City College deputy principal Val Rooderkerk.
"Some of the students are comfortable with kapa haka, and some are comfortable with dance, and here they've been learning to be comfortable with both," Ms Rooderkerk said.
"These students have been very committed - they've given up part of their school holidays to devote themselves to this."
Other students said the workshop had given them confidence, had helped them see the potential in themselves, had helped them become more open-minded, and had taught them about team work.
Ms Rooderkerk said the community had been very supportive of the students' work, especially the Whanganui District Council which had allowed them to use the Royal Wanganui Opera House for their performance.
A grant from the Whanganui Community Foundation enabled the students to attend the workshop for free.
The students are: Jade Mills, Bailee Edwards, Kerah McLean-Duffy, Kiana Te Rangimokau, Shaniqua Hamilton-Hopa, Lenox Fold, Jaqiyak Kora, Hineraumoa Hiroti-Williams, Ani Latus, Kyla Josephs and Arapeta Latus (sound and filming).