The Company of University Dancers (CUDZ) was founded by Joel Fuentes Gallarde in 2000 at The University of Auckland, New Zealand. Inspired by street dancing & by the Atenean philosophy of being ‘men-for-others’, he envisioned to share his passion of dance starting with the university student community. Not long after, the group has extended its services beyond the student community & now is one of the most well established Hip Hop dance companies in New Zealand.

In 2004, the name “TRiPLe8FuNk” was created to represent the CUDZ performing group – starting with the Missy Elliott ‘Get Your Freak On’ Hip Hop Dance Competition. Today, the TRiPLe8FuNk Dance Crew continues to express its love of dance & performance by playing an active role in the New Zealand Hip Hop dance scene and by sharing its vision & passion to dancers & non-dancers alike.

VISION STATEMENT

“Empowerment of all people through our passion & commitment in the Performing Arts”

CUDZ & the TRiPLe8FuNk Dance Crew is a non-profit student organisation based at The University of Auckland and also has its affiliation with Auckland University of Technology (AUT). Through this, the value of education & a well balanced fun lifestyle is highly promoted. The involvement of a non-student community is nonetheless very visible & welcome in its present & future operations.

Their program includes dance classes & training offered at the university at a subsidized rate, dance workshops, & dance shows all year round. The group is also available for bookings to perform in a wide variety of live shows & events.

The company aims for excellence and believes in teamwork, discipline, artistic innovation, & community involvement. They create a funky flavour to the latest dance styles. So from the cool ‘old skool’ to the hot ‘new skool’, groovin’ to the freshest beats is what they do best!