New Zealand's diversity and talent wowed the world at Expo 2020 Dubai when 30 young New Zealanders performed Voice of Youth – Wonderland at the World Expo earlier this year.
Giving Expo visitors the chance to see the world through young eyes, the fun and playful show was created especially for Expo 2020 and explored themes and issues relevant to young people everywhere.
Directed by world-renowned Kiwi choreographer, dancer, singer, director and actress Parris Goebel (the creative director of New Zealand's entertainment and cultural programme at the Expo) it was a key part of New Zealand's participation in Dubai.
Touching on important topics such friendship and unity, confidence and the negative impacts of technology, self-love and body image, the 30 young Kiwis (aged between 16 and 18) and were joined on stage by a number of experienced performers from Goebel's Royal Family Dance Crew.
Goebel says there is so much young talent in Aotearoa New Zealand that it made selecting the final 30 for Dubai very hard: "It was an incredible for us to perform Voice of Youth- Wonderland and to share our talent and values.
"We were able to connect with the audience and had them up and dancing with us to celebrate our youth."