Parris Goebel's ink tribute to nephew

Instagram post by Parris Goebel of her with her nephew Amarni Collins. Photo / via Instagram

Kiwi dance phenomenon Parris Goebel has paid tribute to her young nephew with a fresh tattoo.

The young choreographer to the stars, who was in the US for the MTV Video Music Awards last week, rushed home after the sudden death of her 15-month-old nephew Amarni, the son of her sister Kendal and husband Sean Collins. Armani died in hospital on Friday, just three days after being admitted with a heart problem.

The toddler was farewelled at a service in South Auckland on Tuesday.

Yesterday, Goebel shared a photo of herself and relatives getting special tattoos in honour of their little one.

"Tattoos for Amarni [with] the whole family. We love you bubba,'' she wrote.

The tattoos appear to be different for each person and were created by talented West Auckland tattooist Kirby Tavita, of Kirby Tavita Tattoos.

Goebel shared a video of herself, on Instagram, squinting slightly as the tattoo gun buzzes loudly in the background.

Earlier this week, the young hip hop dancer - who has worked with the likes of Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, Missy Eliott and Justin Bieber - shared a heartfelt tribute to her nephew, who she said had a particular love for the video clip to Bieber's hit song Sorry - which Goebel choreographed.

She wrote: "Aunty Paree will dance and sing for you too. I will live for you, I will walk for you, I will smile every day, cos I will see you soon.

"If I'm ever feeling sad or empty, I will look to the sky and know you are with me.''