Kaea Pearce: ‘I’m aggressive, passionate… I live and breathe dance.’

Kaea Pearce doesn’t enter a room so much as she arrives in it. There’s a quiet intensity to her presence — the kind that comes from years of discipline, rehearsal floors worn thin, and stages conquered across continents. Born in New Zealand and raised in the melting pot of competitive street dance, Pearce has become one of the most recognizable faces in global choreography, having worked with artists like Justin Bieber, Rihanna, and Jennifer Lopez. Her sharp musicality brought her from Auckland studios to world tours, viral music videos, and television’s biggest dance platforms.

Her journey began in a small town in New Zealand, where she discovered the life-changing mentorship of award-winning choreographer Parris Goebel. “When I was little, I grew up in a small town in New Zealand. There was this incredible teacher who was just starting out — Parris Goebel. She came to our little studio one day and told my parents she was opening a big studio in the city. She said, ‘I think Kaea has the potential to make this a career,’” Pearce recalls to Esquire Philippines. In that moment, what had once been a childhood pastime became a calling.

The early challenges she faced shaped not only her skill but her mindset. “I trained at the Royal Family Dance Studio, and when Parris taught us, she instilled hard work, long hours, dedication, and confidence. Those lessons stayed with me. Everything I learned there, I carry into my career now, especially as I build my own company. Growing up with the Royal Family Dance Crew taught me more than just dance. It gave me the skills, discipline, and mindset I still rely on today.”

Her rise continued on World of Street Woman Fighter, a platform that pushed her further than she had imagined. “The show opened up so many opportunities, especially in places like the Philippines, Korea, and Singapore. It allowed me to travel and dance all over the world, and it definitely made an impact on my career,” she says. “Being part of the Royal Family prepared me for high-pressure situations, but the show took it to another level. There was hardly any rest. We'd finish one mission, get judged, and immediately move to the next. It was mentally and physically exhausting, but it taught me resilience and adaptability.”

For Pearce, the most enduring lesson was simple yet profound: hard work always pays off. “With AG Squad, we worked from the first day to the last without taking shortcuts. Our dedication took us far in the competition. I also realized that our personalities don’t always match our dance style. I’m emotional and soft at heart, but on stage, I bring strength and power, and that’s true for the whole team in different ways.”

Her approach to dance extends beyond the studio or the stage. Working with global artists has reinforced the importance of preparation and professionalism. “Whenever I work with an artist, I make sure I’m ready, days or even weeks in advance. Being professional and putting in the effort always pays off. I want to be the hardest-working person in the room, and that mentality has carried me through my career.”

Pearce is also aware of the changing landscape of dance. “Social media has completely changed the game. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram allow dancers all over the world to showcase their talent and even make a living. Of course, there are downsides — sometimes it encourages shortcuts and prioritizes virality over artistry but overall, it’s an incredible opportunity for growth.”

When asked how she describes herself as a dancer, Pearce answers bluntly: “I’m aggressive, passionate, and I project every performance. I live and breathe dance. For me, performance is everything, eye contact, presence, star quality. That’s what makes someone memorable. I also think dancers should be recognized as athletes because of the discipline, training, and endurance required.” 

Looking ahead, she hopes to grow the AG Squad brand, travel more, create content, and continue building her career. “Personally, I want to take on new projects, explore new opportunities, and continue building both my career and my team,” she says. 

Her first experience teaching in the Philippines left her inspired. “Amazing. They’re energetic, passionate, and perform like they’ve been dancing the routines forever. They love what they do, and that’s inspiring,” she says. 

On making a living as a dancer, she adds, “Absolutely. Social media has opened so many doors to monetize dancing, but it does take time and dedication — it took me about 10 years to start making significant money. Dancing is risky, but it can pay off if you’re willing to work hard. For me, the biggest investments have been my kids and buying a house with my brother — things I couldn’t have afforded without years of dedication to dance.”

For Kaea Pearce, dance is more than a career — it’s a life built on discipline, passion, and an unshakable belief in the power of hard work. It’s a philosophy that has carried her from small-town studios to the world stage, and it’s one she continues to share, inspire, and embody every day.

Story and Production: Igi Talao

Photos: Rojan Maguyon

Editor-in-Chief: Paul John Caña

Creative Direction: Igi Talao

Location: ZERO Studio

Special thanks to ZERO Studio and A-Team for making Kaea Pearce Dance Workshop possible

ALSO READ

Scientists Have Discovered The Exact Dance Moves That Make Women Irresistible

This Lawyer and Mother Finds Power While Pole Dancing