Papua New Guinea's internationally acclaimed dance crew, Wan Squad, has departed Port Moresby today for Sydney, Australia, where they will compete in the prestigious International Dance League (IDL), a global professional dance competition bringing together some of the world's best crews.
The team leaves with the support of long-time sponsor Mountain Dew and Pacific Industries Limited, whose sponsorship has funded the crew's campaign as they prepare to represent Papua New Guinea on another international stage.
Speaking at Jacksons International Airport before departure, Wan Squad Creative and Managing Director Piaan said preparations for the competition began earlier this year and has seen significant changes to the team's structure.
"Preparations have been really good. We started around February and March, and it's a lot different this year because we have a mega crew," Piaan said.
"We've got 16 boys in the team, including three members from Australia who have joined us. We also have 12 new members who have come through our development program known as 'The Village'."
Piaan said the development pathway has helped identify and nurture young talent from communities across Port Moresby and surrounding areas, creating opportunities for dancers to progress to the elite level.
Wan Squad enters the competition with an impressive international pedigree, having claimed back-to-back world championship titles in the United States and becoming one of Papua New Guinea's most recognized performing groups.
The International Dance League differs from traditional dance competitions by offering athletes a pathway into professional competition.
"The World Hip Hop Dance Championship is where you represent your country and compete for a world title," Piaan explained.
"The International Dance League is different because it creates a professional pathway. Teams can travel to multiple countries and become official professional franchises within the league. Think of it like the NRL, where you have established teams competing every season. That's what we're hoping to become one day."
Mountain Dew has been Wan Squad's major sponsor for the past five years, a partnership Piaan described as critical to the team's growth and international success.
"Mountain Dew's support is a huge deal for us," he said.
"It's not just about Wan Squad. It's about inspiring other dancers, artists and creators throughout Papua New Guinea and showing them that we belong on the global stage."
Beyond competition results, Piaan said the team's mission in Sydney is to showcase the culture and talent of the Pacific region to an international audience.
"We want to go there and be seen, be heard, and represent the wealth of talent that exists throughout the Pacific. We want to represent not only Papua New Guinea but all Pacific Islanders."
As one of the first Papua New Guinean dance crews to consistently compete and succeed internationally, Wan Squad has become a source of inspiration for aspiring dancers across the country.
Asked what advice he would give to young dancers hoping to follow a similar path, Piaan emphasized the importance of commitment and perseverance.
"Follow your dreams, follow your heart and follow your passion," he said.
"Never give up. Consistency and work ethic play a huge role in success, and it's important to surround yourself with the right people."
With a strengthened squad, growing international reputation and the backing of Mountain Dew, Wan Squad now turns its attention to Sydney, where it hopes to continue raising Papua New Guinea's profile and prove once again that local talent can compete among the world's best.
